A Prosecco N Prose Production.

cab and Bea were judging everybody in Blood Pact by Fiona McIntosh. And they did not find instincts to be a reliable crime-solving tactic. The verdict? Don't ignore the red flags.

Wendy and Amy do not enter into a blood pact discussion Fiona McIntosh's detective thriller Blood Pact, but it did have us on the edge of our seat trying to solve the crime before time ran out. WE paired it with a deceptively dangerous Bourbon & Bubbles variation that had us questioning everything. We talked everyday threats you don't see coming; instincts that always seem spot on, until they aren't; and revenge that just doesn't taste that sweet. Pop a cork to blood ties, not blood pacts.

Whodunnit Novel:  Blood Pact by Fiona McIntosh

Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Bourbon & Bubbles from Angel's Envy

A Prosecco N Prose Production.

cab and Bea were not impressed with the alibis in Murder In My Backyard by Ann Cleeves. In fact, they thought it made everyone more suspect. They also went further with the underwear drawer metaphor than anyone should. The verdict? If you're going to lie, you better commit.

Wendy and Amy get wrapped up in some village drama discussing Murder In My Backyard by Anne Cleeves. We paired it with a dangerously delicious Bourbon & Bubbles (#2) and started spilling everybody's secrets. We talked about cozy villages and nosy neighbors; twists and motives; and more suspects than we could keep track of. Pop a cork to a backyard you don't want to end up in!

Whodunnit Novel:  Murder in My Backyard by Ann Cleeves

Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Bourbon & Bubbles #2 from Sean @itscocktailhour 

A Prosecco N Prose production. 

cab and Bea nearly have a fashion crisis after reading Nightshade by Michael Connelly. Is cab's new accessory an accessory to a crime? Bea has a lot of questions, if she doesn't get distracted by a certain author photo. The verdict? If you're going to wear fur, make sure it's faux!

Wendy and Amy catch some island vibes discussing Nightshade by Michael Connelly. We paired it with a Harvest Sparkle and set to work trying to untangle the twists. We talked setting, secrets and symbols, and whether our determined detective is a hero or an anti-hero. Jury might still be out on that one. Pop a cork to uncovering what hides below!

Whodunnit Novel:  Nightshade by Michael Connelly

Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail:  Harvest Sparkle by Fed and Fit

A Prosecco N Prose production. 

cab and Bea are convinced they'd be a perfect fit for the Women's Murder Club in 25 Alive by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. Will their letters of intent get them an invite or will it be a cease-and-desist letter? The verdict? The jury's still out on this one!

Wendy and Amy barely make it out alive discussing 25 Alive by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. We paired it with a Bourbon Spritz that was a lot simpler than trying to untangle some of the many storylines in this read. We're still not sure if we did, but it was fun trying. Pop a cork and join us in the hunt for answers!

Whodunnit Novel:  25 Alive by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Bourbon Spritz by Maker's Mark

A Prosecco N Prose production...

cab and Bea nearly combust discussing all the men in Hidden In Smoke by Lee Goldberg. They play a fast game of Hot or Not and while they may not be competing for the same man, they both have eyes on a particular woman. The verdict? Never underestimate the allure of a strong woman!

Wendy and Amy leave almost nothing hidden when discussing Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg. We paired it with a Prosecco Bourbon Cocktail and got behind the smoke to talk about characters (there were many!) and teamwork, and the symbology of LA traffic, fire, and of course, smoke. The bourbon definitely had us talking! Pop a cork to the fires that reveal the truth!

Whodunnit Novel:  Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg

Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Prosecco Bourbon Cocktail by Midtown Olive Oil

Other Links:  Meet the Thriller Author hosted by Alan Petersen

A Prosecco N Prose production. 

cab and Bea take a ride in a coffin-shaped limo to discuss Bonded In Death by J.D. Robb. They get sidetracked by questionable furs, things that sparkle and Roarke, of course. The verdict? There's no such thing as too much glitter!

Wendy and Amy bond (sort of) discussing Bonded In Death by J. D. Robb. We paired it with a Bourbon and Honey French 75, which got us talking about relationship bonds, detective fiction tropes, and even some numerology. Things got interesting with that! Pop a cork to the (good!) bonds in your life!

Whodunnit Novel:  Bonded in Death by J.D.Robb

Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Bourbon and Honey French 75 from Kristen

Other Links:  

Our Instagram page

A Prosecco N Prose production...

cab and Bea take a bit of a fashion(able) approach to their discussion of We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin. They're more focused on a blue velvet duster and officers in uniform. The verdict? Who doesn't love a man in uniform?

Wendy and Amy grab their badges and investigate the first novel of the season, We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin. We paired it with a French 95 and then dove into conspiracy theories, digit sacrifice, secret gardens, and wolves. We also talked about how the internet can aid an abet in spreading information, whether fact or fiction, and things took a more literary turn into metafiction and binary opposition. Pop a cork and go down the rabbit hole with us!

Whodunnit Novel: We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin - Website 

Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail: French 95 from Tasting Table. 

Other Links: 

The Nerd Daily interview with Alison Gaylin

Our Instagram page

A Prosecco N Prose Production

cab and Bea kick off their premier season with a roast of Wendy and Amy, because why not? They'll tell us what their mini-episodes will be bringing to the table. The verdict? Chaos and comedy!

Wendy and Amy are delving into a new season of who-dun-its and whiskey cocktails. Everything we're reading and drinking is here in the Prologue so you can read and drink along with us. We talk about the first police procedural, learn the basics of whiskey, and try our first whiskey cocktail, a Glittering Gold Rush. Pop a cork to Season 8: Who-Dun-Its and Whiskey Cocktails!

Featured Whiskey Cocktail 

The Glittering Gold Rush from Carolyn at The Social Sipper with our bar cart bourbon for the season: Rabbit Hole. 

Season's Reads & Prosecco Bourbon Cocktails

February: We are Watching by Alison Gaylin & the French 95

March: Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb & the Bourbon & Honey 75

April: Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg & Prosecco Bourbon Cocktail

May: 25 Alive by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro & a Bourbon Spritz

June: Nightshade by Michael Connelly & the Harvest Sparkle

July: Murder in My Backyard by Ann Cleeves & the Bourbon & Bubbles #2

August: Blood Pact by Fiona McIntosh & another Bourbon & Bubbles

September: Chapter One by Michael Wood & The Sparkler

October: Imposter Syndrome by Andrew Mayne & a Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail

November: The Black Wolf by Louise Penny & the Sparkling Orange Bourbon Cocktail

December: Epilogue & a Vanilla Bourbon Fizz

It's a new year and Wendy and Amy may have some competition in the studio, if they can handle the interview. cab and Bea want to bring a little behind-the-scenes to Prosecco N Prose, but they'll need to answer some tough questions first. Pop a cork to chaos and cocktails!

It's that time of the year where we look back at our favorite books and bubbly of the season. We've got a few more surprising banned book facts to close out the season and a teaser for Season 8. Pop a cork to no more banning of books!

Ingredients for Today's Ginger And Lime Sparkler:
3/4 fl. oz. ginger syrup (we made our own simple ginger syrup), 1 lime, and enough chilled prosecco to fill the glass. 

Pour the ginger syrup into a flute and add the juice of half a lime. Top up with Prosecco and stir briefly. Garnish with half a slim slice of lime. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books

Stay tuned for our next season's lineup of police-type  procedurals and Prosecco and bourbon cocktails. 

Wendy and Amy wrap up the banned book season with John Green's young adult fiction, Looking for Alaska. We talk about structure, last words, book covers, and more. Pop a cork to the bonds of teen friendship!

Ingredients for Today's Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail:
1 tbsp. super fine sugar, 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp. ginger syrup, equal quantities of pear juice and Prosecco to fill the glass, slice of stem ginger, to garnish. 

Dip the rim of a champagne flue into water and then dip into a dish of superfine sugar mixed with ground cinnamon. Add the ginger syrup and top with both the pear juice and Prosecco. Garnish with the slice of stem ginger. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. John Green's website

Wendy and Amy discuss America's current most banned author, Ellen Hopkins, and her gritty young adult novel, Tricks. We talk about a book so banned, British customs worked to keep it out; the benefits of reading a book with so many difficult topics; Hopkins' brilliant writing style; and a Peachy Prosecco Cocktail. Pop a cork to reads that take you on an emotional roller coaster!

Ingredients for Today's Peachy Prosecco Cocktail:
1/2 fl. oz vodka, 1/2 fl. oz. peach liqueur, 1/2 fl. oz. amaretto, 1 fl. oz. orange juice, squeeze of fresh lemon juice, enough prosecco to fill the glass, basil leaf, and fresh peach slices. 

Add all of the ingredients, except the Prosecco and peach slice, to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into a tumbler. Top the glass with Prosecco and garnish with the peach slices. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Ellen Hopkins' website

Wendy and Amy discuss a much-loved teen classic Forever by Judy Blume. We discuss Ernest Hemingway, teen sex, naming conventions of certain anatomy, and, of course, our Maple Fizz cocktail. Pop a cork to books about first love and first times that stick with you forever.

Ingredients for Today's  Maple Fizz Prosecco Cocktail:
2 tsp maple syrup, 1 ¾  oz. chilled cranberry juice, 3 ⅓  oz. chilled prosecco

Shake maple syrup and cranberry juice with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into tumbler and top with prosecco. Stir quickly before serving.

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Judy Blume's website
6. Penis naming article

Wendy and Amy discuss The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas while sipping a Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail. We tackle tough topics like police violence, media spin and how difficult stories continue to teach important lessons. Pop a cork to books that make you stop, think, reflect, and grow.

Ingredients for Today's  Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail:
1 small watermelon, 6 3/4 fl. oz vodka, 1 chilled bottle of Prosecco, and fresh mint

Peel then chop the watermelon into chunks and pop them into the freezer, along with your bottle of vodka. When you're ready to serve, put about a quarter of the watermelon chunks into a blender along wit the vodka and blitz until smooth. Top with Prosecco and then blend on a low setting to combine. Fill a large pitcher with ice, pour the pink cocktail over it and garnish with plenty of fresh mint leaves. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Angie Thomas' website. 

Wendy and Amy discuss Sold by Patricia McCormick and sip a Frozen Lemon Fizzer prosecco cocktail. We talk about the horrific reality of child sex slavery, gender dynamics and women as property. Pop a cork to the strength of a woman!

Ingredients for Today's  Frozen Lemon Fizzer:
4 scoops lemon sorbet, 1  3/4 fl. oz. limoncello, 2 oz. Prosecco, 2 springs mint

Blend the lemon sorbet on low speed and add the limoncello slowly. Add prosecco. Pour into chilled cocktail glasses and serve garnished with mint. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Patricia McCormick's website. 

Wendy and Amy discuss a beloved middle-grade read, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. We talked about friendship, grief and gender roles. We also explored how a book like this can help when tackling tough topics with young readers. Pop a cork to classics that never get old!

Ingredients for Today's Slow Gin and Blackberry Sparkle Pairing:

1 fl. oz. slow gin

Blackberries

Enough chilled prosecco to fill the glass.

Add the sloe gin to a tumbler along with a blackberry or two before topping it up with prosecco. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Katherine Paterson's website. 

Wendy and Amy discuss their first nonfiction read ever for the podcast, George M. Johnson's memoir All Boys Aren't Blue. We talk about the benefits of reading someone else's story and how much can be learned from them, as well as the value this book in particular brings to readers. Pop a cork to being open to others' truths!

Ingredients for Today's Prosecco Cobbler Cocktail Pairing:

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp curacao

Slice of orange

Enough chilled Prosecco to fill the glass. We use Kirkland purple label. 

Half fill a goblet glass with crushed ice. Add the lemon juice, curacao, and orange slice. Stir, top with Prosecco, stir again and serve. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. George M. Johnson's website. 

Wendy and Amy take on heavy topics discussing Thirteen Reasons Why by J. Asher. We talk about story structure and symbology, as well as why such an impactful story would be banned. Pop a cork to books that can teach us to look and listen for ways to help and speak up for others.

Thanks to Podcast Feedspot for helping us spread the word about our podcast!   

Ingredients for Today's Black Velvet Cocktail Pairing:

2 cans Guinness

1 bottle Kirkland's Prosecco

Fill half champagne flutes with beer and then "VERY SLOWLY" top them with chilled prosecco. 

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Need to talk? 1.800.SUICIDE | www.hopeline.com 
6. Jay Asher

Wendy and Amy discuss a high school staple, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. We talk about the fourth musketeer, Holden as a contradiction, and ducks. Pop a cork to teen angst. 

Ingredients for Today's D'Artagnan Cocktail Pairing:

1 tsp. Armagnac (We subbed Remi Martin Cognac VSOP)
1 tsp. orange liqueur (We used Grand Marnier)
3 tsp. chilled orange juice
1/2 tsp. simple syrup
Slice of orange
Enough chilled prosecco to fill glass (Kirkland's DOCG | Purple Bottle)

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. The 4th Musketeer - D'Artagnan
6. J. D. Salinger

Wendy and Amy start off the season with one of the most banned and challenged books, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. We talk about reading difficult topics and what can be learned from that. We also dive into a bit of the history of Dick and Jane readers and their use in this novel. Pop a cork to incredible writing that tackles harsh realities. 

Ingredients for Today's Cocktail Pairing:

1/2 fl. oz. gin
1/2 fl. oz. cherry brandy
1/3 fl. oz. lemon juice
4 cherries (Bada Bing Cherries, Tillman Farm
Bottle of prosecco (Kirkland's DOCG | Purple Bottle)

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
3. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
4. Discussion questions for banned books
5. Dick and Jane link 
6. Dick and Jane (Dana Teach) scholarly article
7. Toni Morrison Society link

Wendy and Amy are kicking off another season of books and bubbly! This season we'll be talking about banned books and pairing them with some bubbly cocktails. We've got everything we'll be reading and drinking here in the Prologue. Pop a cork to Season 7, banned books, banned booze!

Ingredients for Today's Cocktail Pairing:
from Prosecco is Always the Answer by Summersdale Publishing
10.5 oz. rhubarb, trimmed and finely chopped
2.5 oz. sugar
1 bottle of chilled prosecco (We use Costco's Kirkland brand)

Season 7 Lineup: 

• JAN - Prologue | Rhubarb Bellini
• FEB - Toni Morrison's Bluest Eye | Cherry Pop Prosecco Cocktail
• MAR - J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye | D'artagnan
• APR - J. Asher's 13 Reasons Why | Black Velvet
• MAY - George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue | Prosecco Cobbler
• JUN - Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia | Sloe Gin & Blackberry Sparkle
• JUL - Patricia McCormick's Sold | Frozen Lemon Fizzer
• AUG - Angie Thomas' The Hate You Give | Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail
• SEP - Judy Blume's Forever | Maple Fizz
• OCT - Ellen Hopkins' Tricks | Peachy Prosecco Cocktail
• NOV - John Green's Looking for Alaska | Spiced Pear Prosecco
• DEC - Epilogue | Ginger & Lime Sparkler

Links from Show:

1. Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale Publishers
2. New mics: Shure SM57
3. Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read website
4. American Library Association List of Banned and Challenged Books
5. Discussion questions for banned books

Wendy and Amy wrap up the season with a rundown of the books and bubbly they couldn't stop talking about. We give our top three reads and sips of the season. And throw in a teaser for Season 7. Pop a cork to all the characters of Season 6!

Wendy and Amy find themselves on opposing sides when they discuss Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher. We talked about first loves, fate, couple tattoos, and power dynamics. Pop a cork to memories!
 
Book: Never Never by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
Bubbly: Zufini Prosecco

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

*Our apologies for the sound quality of this episode. We are having technical difficulties with our microphones. Season 7 will have new mics with the best sound quality. Thanks Josh and Ruffino.

Hefty Character Discussion
Several Book Club Questions Discussed

Couple Tattoos Link


Podcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy lock themselves in for a thrilling discussion of The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz. We talk about characters that didn't exactly charm us, but a spooky house that did. We explore blood as a symbol and a bond. Pop a cork to dysfunctional relationships!

Book: The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Bubbly: Torresella Prosecco

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Does this murder mystery meet Wendy's requirements?

Hefty Character Discussion
Several Book Club Questions Discussed


Podcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy take a (literary) walk in some very high heels in Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes. We talk about female friendships, misogyny in the workplace, and just how much power clothes, and shoes, can have. These characters had us on an emotional roller coaster and we loved it. Pop a cork to a great pair of shoes! 

Book: Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
Bubbly: Plumeria Prosecco

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Find out which co-host wears these horrifically beautiful pieces of deliciousness. 

Hefty Character Discussion
Several Book Club Questions Discussed


Podcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy discuss a Gothic thriller, The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. We may not have found the characters very likeable, but they definitely gave us a lot to discuss! We explore the parallel storylines, relationships and control, and cursed houses. Pop a cork to messy characters! 

Book: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Bubbly: C Villa Prosecco

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Have you ever hated characters so much that you wanted to DNF a book? Guess who wasn't allowed to file this novel away!

Hefty Character Discussion
Several Book Club Questions Discussed

Pomodoro Technique discussed

Podcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy take on a sciencey romance with Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. We let AI guide our discussion and it took us down a science path that was anything but boring. Pop a cork to love in the lab! 

Book: Love on the Brain  by Ali Hazelwood
Bubbly: Biagio Prosecco

Have you ever read a STEMinist romance?

Did you know that Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize?

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Hefty Character Discussion
Several Book Club Questions Discussed

Podcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy discuss speculative fiction novel The Measure by Nikki Erlick. We talked characters we related to and loved, and some we didn't. We had thoughts about AI and which of us would absolutely have to open the box. Pop a cork to living your life to the fullest!

Book: The Measure  by Nikki Erlick
Bubbly: Giusti Asolo Prosecco

Can AI Predict Life Expectancy?

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Hefty Character Discussion

Several Book Club Questions Discussed

Podcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy discuss a little romance with Book Lovers  by Emily Henry. We loved the sisterly bond between Nora and Libby, and the snarky banter between Nora and Charlie.  Pop a cork to finding love where you least expect it! 

Book: Book Lovers  by Emily Henry
Bubbly: Caposaldo Prosecco

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Character Sketches
Wendy: Nora 
Amy: Blake

Book Club Questions Discussed:
Amy: Have you ever felt like different places brought out different parts of you?
Wendy: Would you rather spend a month in Sunshine Falls, or in Nora’s New York life? And why?

Podcast hostesses styled this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy discuss the sweeping family drama Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. They talk characters, ghastly and golden, secrets, love, and of course, about a black cake. Pop a cork to traditions that hold together, and sometimes even heal, a family!
 
Book: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Bubbly: Gancia Prosecco

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Character Sketches
Amy: Clarence Henry Little Man
Wendy: Byron Bennett

Book Club Questions Discussed:
 Wendy: Secrets are a huge part of the novel. Why do you think Eleanor kept her story from her children for so long and only shared it posthumously? What do you think is more complicated … the secrets you keep or the secrets you share?

Amy: After Bert’s death, Eleanor has another chance at love. After the sweeping love story that brought Bert and Eleanor back together again, do you find it surprising that she dated someone else after his death? Why or why not?

 Podcast hostesses styled this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy discuss The Maid by Nita Prose, a locked-room mystery with an intriguing cast of characters. We loved Molly, were repulsed by Rodney (one of us, anyway!), and enamored with the fabulous setting. Which characters got a kiss, a ring, or a knife through the heart this time? Pop a cork to one underestimated, but brilliant Maid!
 
Book: The Maid by Nita Prose
Bubbly: Cantine Regie

Hotel Tipping Etiquette

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Character Sketches
Wendy: Giselle Black
Amy: Rodney Stiles

Book Club Questions Discussed:
Amy: How do you interpret the quote: "We all are the same in different ways?" & What is your favorite Gran quote?

Wendy: The book is purposefully vague about the city and country where the story takes place. Why do you think the author did that and where do you picture the story and why?

Extra discussion: Uniform as a symbol.

Podcast hostesses styled this season by an independent cabi stylist. 

Wendy and Amy put on their lab coats and dive into Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. They talk characters, resiliency, and just what that #2 pencil (might've) meant for Elizabeth Zott. Pop a cork to women who stand up for other women and themselves!

Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Bubbly: Bolla Prosecco

Toxic Pesticide article by Sarah Rainey:  Link

This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.

Character Sketches
Amy: Dr Donatti
Wendy: Elizabeth Zott

Book Club Questions Discussed:
Amy: Elizabeth is sometimes depressed by the circumstances in her life. Not coincidentally, her show airs in the “Afternoon Depression Zone.” And yet she’s never a victim. How does she continually pick herself up? What fuels her resilience? And why, after she’s reached stardom, is she more miserable than ever?

Wendy: Do you think author Garmus portrayed Elizabeth only as a strong, self-assured character, avoiding Elizabeth’s weaknesses?

Extra Question because we couldn't help it: Why does Elizabeth always wear a pencil in her hair? Is it a weapon or is it a symbol of strength?

Podcast hostesses styled this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Wendy and Amy are back! It's a whole new year and a whole new season. We've got a few tweaks and changes this season, a stack of great books and plenty of bubbly. Our prologue will get you ready for it all. Pop a cork to Season 6!

Books and Bubbly by Month
* January: Prologue with Hi Prosecco
* February:Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus with Bolla Prosecco
* March: The Maid by Nita Prose with Cantine Regie Prosecco
* April: Black Cake by Charmain Wilkerson with Gancia Prosecco
* May: Book Lover by Emily Henry with Caposaldo Prosecco
* June: The Measure by Nikki Erlick with Guisti Asolo Prosecco
* July: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood with Biagio Prosecco
* August: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins with Villa Prosecco
* September: Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes with Plumeria Prosecco
* October: The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz with Torresella Prosecco
* November: Never Never by Colleen Hoover with Zufini Proseco
* December: Epilogue with Epic Run Prosecco

Other Mentions
Amy's cabi Clothing
Wendy's Marathon Challenge

Wendy and Amy recap this season  with one final jello shot, a Fruited Prosecco Jelly Shot. Some short stories and jello shots were clear winners and others were not, in their opinion. Find out which ones ranked and which ones tanked! Pop a cork to shorts and shots!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Fruited Prosecco Jelly Shot from Jelly Shot Test Kitchen

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy wrap up the season with tow short stories by Ernest Hemingway, "in our time" and "The Killers," paired with a classic brunch drink as a jello shot, a Mimosa Jello Shot. They talk Hemingway's terse style, recurring themes in his work, and fun facts that shaped his writing. They also find out if a mimosa jello shot is just like the real thing. Pop a cork to an iconic writer!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Mimosa Jello Shotfrom Stress Baking

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by Ernest Hemingway
1) "in our time"
2) "The Killers"

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy discuss two gothic-esque short stories by Canadian author Alice Munro, "A Basket of Strawberries" and "Meneseteung." This week's jello is more dessert than shot, the Strawberry Prosecco Jelly Dessert. They've got an illicit affair, an aborted affair, moral conflicts, memory versus reality, and epiphanies. Pop a cork to some loaded lit!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Strawberry Prosecco Jelly Dessert from The Little Epicurean.

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by Alice Munro
1) “A Basket of Strawberries”
2) “Meneseteung"

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy discuss two creepy short stories by the very prolific Joyce Carol Oates, "In the Old World" and "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?," which they pair with the not-at-all creepy Prosecco Jelly Shot with Pomegranate Bursting Boba. They find elements of psychological realism and a bit of number and hair symbology in these gothic-tinged stories. Pop a cork to a couple of creepy compositions!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Prosecco Jelly Shots with Pomegranate Bursting Boba from Sprinkle Bakes.

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by Joyce Carol Oats
1)"In the Old World"
2) "Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been"

Cory Daniel Numerology ( 33 and 17) on The Phoenix Enigma
JCO's Twitter Page

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by the two-time Pulitzer Prize winner John Updike, "Friends from Philadelphia" and "Gesturing," and pair it with some fancy looking Prosecco Jelly Flutes. They've got some fun facts about the literary critic, sympathize with a teen unknowingly caught in a class war, and attempt to decipher a befuddling gesture. Pop a cork to relatable writings!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot:  Prosecco Jelly Flutes  from Food Network.

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories byJohn Updike
1)"Friends From Philadelphia"
2)  "Gesturing"

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

 Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by Dorothy Parker, "Such a Pretty Little Picture" and "Here We Are," and finally get a taste of prosecco in a Pretty Pink Prosecco Jello Shot. They find the funny and the tragic in an old and new marriage, ponder unhappy endings and roles women - and men! - were/are expected to play. Pop a cork to the Queen of the Quips!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot:  Pretty Pink Prosecco Jello Shot from Wanda at Entertaining Diva.

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by Dorothy Parker
1) "Such a Pretty Little Picture"
2)  "Here We Are"

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by Raymond Carver, "Furious Seasons" and "Where I'm Calling From," and try a 78 Jelly Shot. These stories have mystery and murder,  drinking and detoxing. They talk about Carver's use of imagery, writing from experience, and stories that leave you disoriented and disturbed. Pop a cork to gritty, but great story-telling!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot:  The 78 Jelly Shot  from The Jelly Shot Test Kitchen

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by Raymond Carver
1)"Furious Seasons"
2)  "Where I'm Calling From"

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers  featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy are going all classic with two short stories by William Faulkner, "Landing in Luck" and "That Evening Sun Go Down," paired with a classic-inspired jello shot, The French 75. They've got Fun Faulkner Facts, talk evolution of an author's style, two different takes on class conflict, and comedic, but tragic endings. Pop a cork to landing in classics!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot:  The French 75 with Gin from The Jelly Shot Test Kitchen

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by William Faulkner
1) "Landing in Luck" Story starts on page 41
2)  "That Evening Sun Go Down"

Additional Links from Today's  Episode
The Online Stage - Landing in Luck

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers  featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy take a look at two short stories by Flannery O'Connor, "The Geranium" and "Greenleaf." They also taste test a very interesting looking Naturally Green Prosecco Jello Shot. First line predictions go sideways, endings are Gothic, and themes of hubris and aging round out this fun discussion. Pop a cork to aging with grace!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot:  A Naturally Green Prosecco Jello Shot from Cooking Light

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by Flannery O'Connor
1) "The Geranium"
2)  "Greenleaf"

Additional Links from Today's  Episode
1) How Racist Was Flannery O'Connor
2) 12 Writing Tips from Flannery O'Connor
3) Fast Asleep  Podcast by Gina Marie: "Greenleaf" Part 1 & Part 2

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by one of the great American playwrights, Tennessee Williams - "The Vengeance of Nitocris" and "The Resemblance Between a Violin Case and a Coffin," and try a Peach Bellini Jello Shot. With one story loose historical fiction and the other possibly based on personal history/experience, they look at elements of Southern Gothic lit and themes of death and mad women. Pop a cork to historical retellings, mythical and personal!
 
Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: www.sweetrecipes.com or from @bakerpeabody on Instagram.

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by Tennesee Williams

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy take on two short stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Babes in the Woods" and "Crazy Sunday." They also try a classic prosecco happy hour drink in jello shot form, the Aperol Spritzer Jello Shot. They discuss first lines, the power they have, or don't have, to pull the reader in, and endings that leave a reader satisfied; elements that are unique to Fitzgerald and some common themes. Pop a cork to a crazy, fun time!
Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Aperol Spritz Jello Shot from Lemons for Lulu. 

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century edited by John Updike

Today's Short Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1) "Babes in the Woods"
2) "Crazy Sunday"

Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Wendy and Amy are back with another season of books, banter and bubbles! This go around it's all about short stories and jello shots, made with prosecco, of course! Find out what's in store for the season and who really doesn't like jello shots. Pop a cork to Season 5!

Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Raspberry Prosecco Tulip using Chambord

This Season’s Books
1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors
2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century edited by John Updike

This Season's Line-Up
Episode 41 - F. Scott Fitzgerald:  “Babes in the Woods” & “Crazy Sunday” |  An Aperol Spritzer Jello Shot

Episode 42 - Tennessee Williams:
“The Vengeance of Nitocris” & “The Resemblance Between a Violin Case and a
Coffin” | A Peach Bellini Jello Shot

Episode 43 - Flannery O’Conner: “The Geranium” &“Greenleaf” | A Naturally Green Prosecco Jello
Shot

Episode 44 - William Faulkner: “Landing in Luck” & “That Evening Sun Go Down” | The French 75 with gin

Episode 45 - Raymond Carver: “Furious Seasons” & “Where I’m Calling From” | The 78 Jelly Shot

Episode 46 - Dorothy Parker: “Such a Pretty Little Picture” &“Here We Are” | A Pretty Pink Prosecco Jello Shot

Episode 47 - John Updike: “Friends from Philadelphia” &“Gesturing” | A Prosecco Jelly Shot

Episode 48 - Joyce Carol Oates: “In
the Old World” & “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” | Prosecco Jelly Shot with Pomegranate Bursting Boba

Episode 49 - Alice Monro: “A Basket
of Strawberries” & “Meneseteung" | Strawberry Prosecco Dessert

Episode 50 - Ernest Hemingway: “in our time” &“The Killers” | Mimosa Jello Shot.

 Summer course that inspired this Season's Episodes - The Great Courses Course: Great American Short Stories | A Guide for Readers and Writers  featuring Professor Jennifer Cognard-Black Ph.D. 

Huge shoutout to our Instagram friends who helped us with our OPENING LINE WRITING EXERCISE. Please consider following these fun book accounts: @runswflags@lifeandlitpod @karenbladerunner @darlene.morant @iceatbooks @books.over.coffee @thebeautyofborrowedbooks @katereadsbooks @a_writers_perspective @debs_shelves @mtgbooks777 @riposoreads @drunkenpenwriting @boymombookshelf @realassaffirmations @bookreaderr_muzing @perfectlyprosed @authorkarakendrick @lunaandfortuna @thebittenwordpodcast @joyofmusic_lindafotis @authorthayden @kennacharlesauthor @jennsbookmarks

 A great short story reader and writer information website.

Our season of romance has come to a close, / With lots of prosecco and loads of prose. / Some sips and stories we really loved a lot, / Pop a cork to the ones that took our top spot!

Show Notes:

Today’s Bubbly: Ca’Belli Spumante Prosecco Rose – We finally agreed on a rating.  

Favorite Dark Chocolate Flavors found at Aldi: Sea Salt, Chile, Strawberry Champagne

 Amy’s Favorite Prosecco Roses: Jules, Kirkland’s, Conca D’Oro 

Wendy’s Favorite Prosecco Roses: Kirkland’s, Albino Armini, Fascino, Conca D’Oro  

Wendy’s Favorite Prose: The Great Gatsby, One True Loves, "The Count and The Wedding Guest"

Amy’s Favorite Prose: 28 Summers, Home Front, One True Loves

Amy’s Favorite Book Cover: A Thousand Boy Kisses

Wendy’s Favorite Book Cover: 28 Summers

Wendy’s Favorite Bookish Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class, Bad on Paper, Drunken Pen Writers

Amy Favorite Bookish Podcasts: Drunken Pen Writers, Faded Mates, Book Broads

Other Recommended Podcasts: The Morning Formation Podcast with KP, Two Babes and a Book, The Mean Book Club

Shout Out: Oliver Fox’s article “The Four Pillars of Romance” from the Writer’s Write Blog

Wendy and Amy take a vacay to the beach, / And look at a love that's both here and out of reach. / For 28 perfect summers Mal and Jake rendezvous, / Pop a cork to stolen moments that made a love so true.

Show Notes:

Author Elin Hilderbrand's Webpage

Conca d'Oro Prosecco Rose

Writer's Write Blog: "The Four Pillars of Romance" Article by Oliver Fox.

Podcast Mentioned Today: Bad on Paper

Next Episode:  Epilogue with all of our favorites for the season 

Wendy and Amy mull over a young romance. / Will a fake meet cute lead to real love, by chance? / Maybe, if Noah just follows his list. / Pop a cork for the love he almost missed!

Show Notes:

Author: Emery Lee 

Prosecco: Borrasca Prosecco Rosé 

Oliver Fox’s Writer’s Write Article “Four Pillars of Romance” 

Big Gay Fiction Podcast 

Next Episode: 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand  paired with Conca d’Oro Prosecco Rosé 

Please Follow, Rate, and Review us on Apple or Spotify Podcast. 

Wendy and Amy look at a love at war / Both on the Home Front and a far away shore. / While Jolene's in a battle, Michael fights, too. / Pop a cork to winning at love, part deux.

 

Show Notes:
Author Kristin Hannah’s Webpage
Oliver Fox’s article “The Four Pillars of Romance” from Writers Write  Blog.
The Morning Formation Podcast with KP 

Next Episode:  Emery Lee’s novel Meet Cute Diary paired with Borrasca Prosecco Rosé 

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE or SPOTIFY PODCAST.

Wendy and Amy read an O. Henry tale / Then muse on the idea of love by betrayal. / But Miss Maggie just looks so smashing in black / Pop a cork to her beau who knows which secret to crack!

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCAST

Show Notes:
Oliver Fox's "Four Pillars of Romance" article
Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast with Holly and Tracy | O. Henry Episode


Next Episode:
Home Front by Kristin Hannah paired with Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rose

Wendy and Amy shed at least a thousand tears / For Tillie Cole's young loves heartbreaking fears. / Will Poppy collect her thousand boy kisses? / Pop a cork to Rune fulfilling her wishes!

Show Notes:

Author Tillie Cole's Webpage
Jules Prosecco Rose link
Writer's Write Blog: "The Four Pillars of Romance" Article by Oliver Fox.
Boozy Book Talk Podcast

Next Episode: "The Count and the Wedding Guest" by O. Henry paired with Clara C Prosecco Rose. 

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  or SPOTIFY PODCAST.

Wendy and Amy look at a one-sided love affair. / Haruki Murakami's written of a perfect pair. / Does the boy take a chance to make a love connection? / Pop a cork to seeing your 100% perfection.

Show Notes:
Author Website: Haruki Murakami
Link to short story: “On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning”
Lyrics Page Mentioned: Genius.com
Oliver Fox’s article “The Four Pillars of Romance” from Writers Write  Blog.
Drunken Pen Writers Podcast/Website

Next Episode: Tillie Cole's A Thousand Boy Kisses  paired with Jules Prosecco Rosé 

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE or SPOTIFY PODCAST.

It’s game on when Wendy and Amy tackle The Hating Game. / Sally Thorne’s MC Lucy has Josh’s heart all aflame. / As these workplace enemies compete for a COO promotion, / Pop a cork to love and hate, Josh and Lucy are full of emotion.

Show Notes:

• Author Sally Thorne's Webpage
• Oliver Fox's article "The Four Pillars of Romance" from The Writers Write Blog. 
•  Fun PROSECCO ROSE earrings from Style ASAP in Enterprise, AL
•  Fated Mates Podcast  about The Hating Game cohosted by Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop

Next Episode: Haruki Murakami's short story "On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning" paired with Albino Armani Prosecco Rose.   


Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  or SPOTIFY PODCAST.

Wendy & Amy ponder Reid's One True Loves  Dilemma / Sweet Sam's love helped heal heartbroken Emma. / But then her husband returns, Jesse's alive, / Pop A Cork to the ways love can change & survive!

Show Notes:
Oliver Fox's article "The Four Pillars of Romance"
Glamour article mentioned
Book Broads Podcast - "We Read Every Book by Taylor Jenkins Reid"
 

Next Episode:
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne paired with Fascino Prosecco Rose.

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  or SPOTIFY PODCAST.

Wendy and Amy find the love in James Joyce's Eveline, / But is this forbidden, secret love a happiness lifeline? / Or does a stronger love triangle have Eveline's devotion? / Pop a cork to the ties that bind and also leave us broken.

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

Show Notes:
Oliver Fox's "Four Pillars of Romance" article
A fun reading of Eveline with an interesting discussion: Trev Downey from The Great Stories Podcast.

Next Episode:  One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid paired with Conte Priuli Prosecco Rose

Wendy and Amy discuss The Great Gatsby affair, / Can Gatsby win Daisy, make a love triangle a pair? / Or are they two star-crossed lovers, doomed from the start? / Pop a cork to this classic and Gatsby’s quest for his sweetheart.

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

SHOW NOTES:
Oliver Fox's "Four Pillars of Romance" article
Drunk Guys Book Club Podcast: Gatsby

Next Episode:
We will be discussing James Joyce's short story "Eveline" from the Dubliners and pair it with Tesoro della Regina Prosecco Rose

We've got bubbles and books galore,
So much to love and adore!
Are you ready to see what's in store?
Pop a cork to Season 4!

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

Next Episode:  F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby | Kirkland Signature Prosecco Rose   

Sites Mentioned:
The Vinepair Podcast | Celebrity Booze Snoop Episode Aired 10/01/21 | Bulk Wine Episode Aired 6/ 21/21
International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS)
Writers Write article by Oliver Fox "The 4 Pillars of Romance" | Link to website

Season 4's Line-Up
E31: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Rose: Kirkland Signature Prosecco Rose
E32: "Eveline" by James Joyce
Rose: Tesoro della Regina Prosecco Rose
E33: One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rose: Conte Priuli Prosecco Rose
E34: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Rose: Fascino Prosecco Rose
E35: "On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning" by Haruki Murakai
Rose: Albino Armani Prosecco DOC
E36: A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
Rose: Jules Prosecco Rose DOC
E37: "The Count and the Wedding Guest" by O. Henry
Rose: Clara C. Fiori di Prosecco DOC Rose
E38: Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Rose: Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Rose DOC
E39: Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
Rose: Borrasca Prosecco DOC Rose
E40: 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
Rose: Conca D'Oro D'ose Prosecco Rose DOC

Wendy and Amy power down the season with a bit of superlative fun. Find out what was the bubbliest, prettiest, and best of the season. Pop a cork to Season 3!

Season 4 drops in February.

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

Wendy and Amy bring the power trip to an end with Abigail Dean's slow burn thriller Girl A. They discuss the power of money and remembering, differences between a house and a home, and how books are an escape, but can also be a trap. Pop a cork to the power of survival!

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

Next Episode: The Epilogue: Season 3 Superlatives

Show Notes Links:
Abigail Dean's Website
Benvolio Prosecco
Cartizze and Rive proseccos
Fred and Rosemary West
Turpin family's real House of Horrors

Wendy and Amy discuss Alejandro Puyana's incredibly moving short story "The Hands of Dirty Children." The power of the author's pen, hands and elephants, and some numerology round out the discussion. Pop a cork to the power of phenomenal writing!

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

Next Episode: Abigail Dean's Girl A paired with Benvolio Prosecco

Links For This Episode
Free Short Story: "Hands of Dirty Children" with introduction by Curtis Sittenfeld
The Best American Short Stories 2020
Paired Prosecco: Ogio
Arepa Zone
MFA Writers Podcast with Jared McCormack: Alejandro Puyana
The Guardian: Caracas Street Children photos
Save the Children
Caracas Chronicles: "How the Aprea Took Over the World, then Died at Home"  or "Arepas Are Conquering The World--But Dying Home in Venezuela"




 

Wendy and Amy weave through quite a discussion of Marcia Preston's novel The Spiderling. The power of grief causes a mother to regress and a daughter to grow up, and dog tags, spiders, and Gold Star Families are all part of the discussion web. Pop a cork to the power of healing.

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCAST

Links mentioned in this episode:
Marcia Preston's Website
Enza Prosecco
Maureen Petrosky's The Wine Club
Authors Mentioned: Ann Patchett, Mary Gordon, Sarah Pekkanen, Kristin Hannah, Ashley Audrain, Torrey Peters,  and Celeste Ng
Kiwi Bird Video
American Gold Star Families Website

Next Episode:
Short Story entitled "Hands of Dirty Children" by Alejandro Puyana (free read) paired with Ogio. 

Join Wendy and Amy for a deep dive discussion of Karen Russell's short story "Haunting Olivia." They look at how the power of grief and guilt can affect family bonds and how a pair of magic goggles might provide closure for a family dealing with the unthinkable. Do you believe in ghosts? Pop a cork to the power of hope!

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

NEXT EPISODE:  The Spiderling by Marcia Preston paired with Enza Prosecco

Links from today's episode:
Short Story: "Haunting Olivia" (free read)
Karen Russell's Website
Book Browse Interview
Voodoo Name Book
Luna d'Or Prosecco
Prosecco Through A Straw Guy--Chris Chianesi
Eastern Airline Flight 401
Haunted Places Website

Wendy and Amy step back into historical fiction with Kristin Hannah's novel The Four Winds. They look at how the power of family and familial love, or a lack of it, can shape generations, and learn just how fitting a symbol like the little copper wheat penny is in the story. Do you believe in the power of family or luck? Pop a cork to the power of family!

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

LINKS MENTIONED IN SHOW
Kristin Hannah's Website
Paired Bubbly: Casa Santorsola
Sanora Babb
Grapes of Wrath
Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure 1
Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure 2
Robert Frost's "A Late Walk"

NEXT EPISODE
The short story "Haunting Olivia" by Karen Russell  paired with Luna d'Or

Join Wendy and Amy as they continue the power trip with Celeste Ng's short story "Girls, At Play." They discuss playground games that border on abuse and how easily girls can lose their voice under peer pressure. When does the power of choice become a trap? Pop a cork to the power of play!

Links Mentioned in the Show:
Link to "Girls, At Play" by Celeste Ng
Chloe Prosecco Rose
Author Celeste Ng Website

Next Episode: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah paired with Sant'Orsola. 

Wendy and Amy venture into wonderful, new-for-them, literary territory and discuss Torrey Peters' debut novel Detransition, Baby. They explore the power of motherhood in its many forms and look at the body as a symbol that often feels like a betrayal. Does the power of motherhood grant the ultimate power of womanhood? Pop a cork to living in your truth!

Please consider rating and reviewing  us on Apple podcast.

Links mentioned in the show:
The Red Box Car
Bearcreek Saloon
Gender Reveal Podcast
NPR: It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders Podcast
Vulture article
GLAAD

Next Episode: "Girls at Play" by Celeste Ng featuring Chloe Prosecco Rose. 

Join Wendy and Amy for a discussion of Karen Shepard's short story "Popular Girls." Power and fashion go hand-in-hand, but what if it's all just an illusion? What happens if the façade fractures? Pop a cork to the power of popularity!

Links mentioned in the show:
1) Karen Shepard's Website and link to short story "Popular Girls"
2) Our Personal Website
3) Our Buzzsprout Website
4) Bellissima Prosecco
5) Alison Lurie's Website

Karen's book recommendations:
- Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe
- First Responders by Jennifer Murphy
- Under a White Sky, The Nature of The Future by Elizabeth Kolbert
- Phase Six by author's husband Jim Shepard
- Pity the Beast by Robin McLean

Next Episode: Detransition, Baby Torrey Peters featuring Ornato Prosecco 

Wendy and Amy continue to explore the power dynamic between parents and children in Ashley Audrain's thriller The Push.  They discuss how  bracelets and blades might shift those power roles. And are you destined to pass on past hurts? Pop a cork to the power of the past.

Links mentioned in the show:
1) Our Personal Website
2) Our Buzzsprout Website

Next Episode: "Popular Girls" by Karen Shepard featuring Bellissima Prosecco. 

Wendy and Amy kick off Season 3 with Ray Bradbury's short story "The Veldt." In this first piece of prose in the power theme, they look at the dynamic of power between parents and children. And how does a nursery go from soothing to sinister? Pop a cork to the power of the veldt.

Links mentioned in the show:
1) Ray Bradbury's Website and link to the short story "The Veldt"
2) Our Personal Website
3) Our Buzzsprout Website
4) Paired Prosecco for this episode is Syltbar.

Next Episode: The Push by Ashley Audrain featuring DellaTorri Prosecco

Wendy and Amy are back for Season 3. Find out what prose is up for discussion and what prosecco is up for tasting. Plus, this season's prose has an overarching, continuous theme. What could it be? Pop a cork to season 3!

Season 3's Prosecco N Prose Line-up

E21: Ray Bradbury - "The Veldt"
Prosecco: SyltBar
E22: Ashely Audrain - The Push
Prosecco: DellaTorri
E23: Karen Shepard - "Popular Girls"
Prosecco: Bellissima
E24: Torrey Peters - Detransition Baby
Prosecco: OrNato
E25: Celeste Ng - "Girls at Play"
Prosecco: Chloe Rose
E26: Kristin Hannah - The Four Winds
Prosecco: Casa Sant' Orsola
E27: Karen Russell - "Haunting Olivia"
Prosecco: Luna d'Or
E28: Marcia Preston - The Spiderling
Prosecco: Enza
E29: Alejandro Puyana - "The Hands of Dirty Children"
Prosecco: Ogio
E30: Abigail Dean - Girl A
Prosecco: Benvolio

Wendy and Amy bookend Season 2 with a brief recap of everything that's gone down. Find out what Prosecco and prose were their top picks, and they finally provide a tasting of their box-store favorite. Pop a cork to Season 2!

Subscribe or Follow wherever you listen to our podcast, so you will be alerted when Season 3 drops in June or when we drop a bonus episode this spring. 

Join Wendy and Amy as they wrap up Season 2 with V. E. Schwab's historical fantasy novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Belonging and loneliness, a ring and a watch, freckles and The Age of Adeline, and one VERY big announcement round out the season. Pop a cork to being remembered!

Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE  Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.

Prosecco N Prose | Season 2 | Episode 20| The Invisible Life of Addie Larueby V.E. Schwab

 Co-Hosts: Wendy (W) | Amy (A) 

March 17, 2021

Introduction of Bubbly, Prose, and Podcast – 00:00:00
Catching Up | Conegliano Valdobbiandene Prosecco Superiore – 00:01:36
Author and Book Information – 00:07:50
Main Character Introduction – 00:10:27
Brief Summary with Spoilers – 00:11:20
Handful of Hyperbole
1)    Themes of Belonging and Loneliness through binary opposition – 00:16:10
2)    Symbols – Color Green, ash ring, Henry’s watch, Addie’s jacket – 00:19:49
3)    Voodoo Name Book – Adele (Addie, Adeline), Henry, Luc (Lucien) 00:26:13
4)    Random – Freckles, Movie: The Age of Adeline, Amy’s surprise – 00:28:11
Closing and Outro – 00:36:05  

Next Episode: Season Ending Epilogue prior to break!

Wendy and Amy get to the truth of John Chu's thought-provoking short "The Water That Falls on You From Nowhere." Themes on lying, the symbology of water and rain, a fun game on American and Chinese holiday traditions, and a Pinocchio connection are all part of the discussion. Pop a cork to not getting caught in a lie!

“The Water That Falls on You from Nowhere”by John Chu

Introduction of Bubbly, Prose, and Podcast – 00:00:00
Catching Up | Ménage á Trois Tasting – 00:04:22
Author and Book Information – 00:10:32
Main Character Introduction – 00:13:36
Brief Summary with Spoilers – 00:14:27
Handful of Hyperbole
1)    Themes of Truth and Lies – 00:19:25
2)    Symbols – Water and Rain – 00:23:23
3)    Voodoo Name Book – Matt and Gus 00:25:33
4)    Game – Two Facts and a Fib (Chinese/American traditions) – 00:27: 23
5)    Random – Escape Pod 459’s Pinocchio connection – 00:36: 19
Closing and Outro – 00:39:03

Link to Buzzsprout episodes for show notes. 

Next Episode (Season Finale): The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V. E. Schwab

 

Join Wendy and Amy in a lively discussion of Brit Bennett's bestseller The Vanishing Half. Identity, rebellion, Mallard as a symbol, and a palm reading are all part of the conversation. Pop a cork to finding peace after pain!

Next Episode: John Chu's short story "The Water That Falls on You from Nowhere"
Listen to John Chu read.

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Prosecco N Prose | Season 2 | Episode 18 | The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
 Co-Hosts: Wendy  & Amy 
February 17, 2021

Introduction of Bubbly, Prose, and Podcast – 00:00:00
Catching Up | La Vostra Tasting – 00:00:45
Author and Book Information – 00:06:30
Main Character Introduction – 00:09:24
Brief Summary with Spoilers – 00:09:50
Handful of Hyperbole
1)    Themes of Identity and Rebellion – 00:14:03
2)    Symbols – Mallard duck – 00:19:45
3)    Game/Random – Palmistry Reading – 00:22:02
Closing and Outro – 00:40:42

Wendy and Amy ponder  Mary Gordon's superb short story "Ugly." Themes of judgment, pink roses, an antique chair, and poetry are served up with a pretty pink prosecco. Pop a cork to seeing beauty everywhere!

Next Episode: Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half

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Introduction of Bubbly, Prose, and Podcast – 00:00:00
Catching up | La Gioiosa Tasting – 00:00:44
Author and Short Story Information – 00:07:27
Main Character Introduction – 00:16:13
Brief Summary with Spoilers – 00:16:39
Handful of Hyperbole
1)    Theme: Judgement based on appearance – 00:20:39
2)    Symbols – Chair and Rose – 00:24:30
https://www.dogfordstudios.com/symbolism-chair-art/
3)    Voodoo Name Book – Laura and Lois – 00:29:49
4)    Random – Poetry in “Ugly” – 00:31:11
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43880/a-song-when-june-is-past-the-fading-rose
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45441/song-go-lovely-rose
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43682/the-sick-rose
Closing and Outro – 00:40:55
Next Episode: Brit Bennett’s novel The Vanishing Half

Join Wendy and Amy for a royally good time as they discuss Casey McQuiston's novel Red, White & Royal Blue. Love is the theme and untangling the meaning of some British and Texas phrases is the game. Keys, rings, and flags round out the bubbly banter. Pop a cork to love!

Next Episode's short story: "Ugly" by Mary Gordon

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Wendy and Amy step out of their comfort zone when they tackle Flann O'Brien's postmodernist work, The Third Policeman. Fortified with their ever faithful prosecco, they explore his take on the afterlife, illuminate the meaning of yellow, and try to stump each other with some truly dumb criminals. Pop a cork to staying on the right side of the law!

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Next Episode: Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 

All we want for Christmas is to join Wendy and Amy and special kid-guest Kristen from Delaware as they discuss Barbara Robinson's beloved book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Wendy and Amy mix up some festive holiday prosecco cocktails, explore the magic of Christmas with the Herdmans, and then Kristen pops in to play a game and give a kid-friendly review of the novel. Pop a cork to the holidays!

Next Episode: A listener's request Flann O'Brien's The Third Policeman

You are invited to join Wendy and Amy for a thrilling discussion of Lucy Foley's thriller The Guest List. Revenge, ominous birds, crazy facts about weddings, and a trip to  an Irish isle are all part of the ceremony. Pop a cork to weddings with a side of revenge!

Next Episode: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. Special guest: 7-year-old Kristen from Delaware discusses and helps rate the book.