Prosecco N Prose | A Book Club

Send us Fan MailA 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!

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 PaetroProsecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Bourbon Spritz by Maker's Mark

Send us Fan MailA 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!

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 GoldbergProsecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Prosecco Bourbon Cocktail by Midtown Olive OilOther Links:  Meet the Thriller Author hosted by Alan Petersen

Send us Fan MailA 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! 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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.RobbProsecco Whiskey Cocktail:   Bourbon and Honey French 75 from KristenOther Links:  Our Instagram page

Send us Fan MailA 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?

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 GaylinOur Instagram page

Send us Fan MailA Prosecco N Prose Productioncab 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!

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 CocktailsFebruary: We are Watching by Alison Gaylin & the French 95March: Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb & the Bourbon & Honey 75April: Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg & Prosecco Bourbon CocktailMay: 25 Alive by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro & a Bourbon SpritzJune: Nightshade by Michael Connelly & the Harvest SparkleJuly: Murder in My Backyard by Ann Cleeves & the Bourbon & Bubbles #2August: Blood Pact by Fiona McIntosh & another Bourbon & BubblesSeptember: Chapter One by Michael Wood & The SparklerOctober: Imposter Syndrome by Andrew Mayne & a Prosecco Whiskey CocktailNovember: The Black Wolf by Louise Penny & the Sparkling Orange Bourbon CocktailDecember: Epilogue & a Vanilla Bourbon Fizz

Send us Fan MailIt'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!

Send us Fan MailIt'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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksStay tuned for our next season's lineup of police-type  procedurals and Prosecco and bourbon cocktails. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksJohn Green's website

Send us Fan MailWendy 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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksEllen Hopkins' website

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 proseccoShake 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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksJudy Blume's websitePenis naming article

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 mintPeel 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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksAngie Thomas' website. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 mintBlend 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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksPatricia McCormick's website. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 ginBlackberriesEnough 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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksKatherine Paterson's website. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 juice1/2 tsp curacaoSlice of orangeEnough 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:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksGeorge M. Johnson's website. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Guinness1 bottle Kirkland's ProseccoFill half champagne flutes with beer and then "VERY SLOWLY" top them with chilled prosecco. Links from Show:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksNeed to talk? 1.800.SUICIDE | www.hopeline.com Jay Asher

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 juice1/2 tsp. simple syrupSlice of orangeEnough chilled prosecco to fill glass (Kirkland's DOCG | Purple Bottle)Links from Show:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksThe 4th Musketeer - D'ArtagnanJ. D. Salinger

Send us Fan MailWendy 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. gin1/2 fl. oz. cherry brandy1/3 fl. oz. lemon juice4 cherries (Bada Bing Cherries, Tillman Farm Bottle of prosecco (Kirkland's DOCG | Purple Bottle)Links from Show:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersTimeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned booksDick and Jane link Dick and Jane (Dana Teach) scholarly articleToni Morrison Society link

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 chopped2.5 oz. sugar1 bottle of chilled prosecco (We use Costco's Kirkland brand)Season 7 Lineup: JAN - Prologue | Rhubarb BelliniFEB - Toni Morrison's Bluest Eye | Cherry Pop Prosecco CocktailMAR - J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye | D'artagnanAPR - J. Asher's 13 Reasons Why | Black VelvetMAY - George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue | Prosecco CobblerJUN - Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia | Sloe Gin & Blackberry SparkleJUL - Patricia McCormick's Sold | Frozen Lemon FizzerAUG - Angie Thomas' The Hate You Give | Watermelon Prosecco CocktailSEP - Judy Blume's Forever | Maple FizzOCT - Ellen Hopkins' Tricks | Peachy Prosecco CocktailNOV - John Green's Looking for Alaska | Spiced Pear ProseccoDEC - Epilogue | Ginger & Lime SparklerLinks from Show:Prosecco is Always the Answer from Summersdale PublishersNew mics: Shure SM57Timeline of book banning on the Freedom to Read websiteAmerican Library Association List of Banned and Challenged BooksDiscussion questions for banned books

Send us Fan MailWendy 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!

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 FisherBubbly: 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 DiscussionSeveral Book Club Questions DiscussedCouple Tattoos LinkPodcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 BartzBubbly: Torresella ProseccoThis episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY. Does this murder mystery meet Wendy's requirements? Hefty Character DiscussionSeveral Book Club Questions DiscussedPodcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 MoyesBubbly: Plumeria ProseccoThis episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY. Find out which co-host wears these horrifically beautiful pieces of deliciousness.  Hefty Character DiscussionSeveral Book Club Questions DiscussedPodcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 HawkinsBubbly: C Villa ProseccoThis 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 DiscussionSeveral Book Club Questions DiscussedPomodoro Technique discussedPodcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 HazelwoodBubbly: Biagio ProseccoHave 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 DiscussionSeveral Book Club Questions DiscussedPodcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 ErlickBubbly: Giusti Asolo ProseccoCan AI Predict Life Expectancy? This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.Hefty Character DiscussionSeveral Book Club Questions DiscussedPodcast hostesses styled for social media posts this season by an independent cabi stylist.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 HenryBubbly: Caposaldo ProseccoThis episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.Character SketchesWendy: Nora  Amy: BlakeBook 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.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 SketchesAmy: Clarence Henry Little ManWendy: 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.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 ProseBubbly: Cantine Regie Hotel Tipping EtiquetteThis episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY. Character SketchesWendy: Giselle BlackAmy: Rodney StilesBook 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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 GarmusBubbly: Bolla ProseccoToxic Pesticide article by Sarah Rainey:  LinkThis episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY. Character SketchesAmy: Dr DonattiWendy: Elizabeth ZottBook 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.

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 ProseccoOther MentionsAmy's cabi ClothingWendy's Marathon Challenge

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeSummer 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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 BakingThis Season’s Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday'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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories by Alice Munro1) “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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories by Joyce Carol Oats1)"In the Old World"2) "Where Are You Going? Where Have You Been"Cory Daniel Numerology ( 33 and 17) on The Phoenix EnigmaJCO'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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories byJohn Updike1)"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. 

Send us Fan Mail 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories by Dorothy Parker1) "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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 KitchenThis Season’s Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday'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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories by William Faulkner1) "Landing in Luck" Story starts on page 41 2)  "That Evening Sun Go Down" Additional Links from Today's  EpisodeThe 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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories by Flannery O'Connor1) "The Geranium"2)  "Greenleaf"Additional Links from Today's  Episode1) How Racist Was Flannery O'Connor2) 12 Writing Tips from Flannery O'Connor3) 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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories by Tennesee WilliamsSummer 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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century edited by John UpdikeToday's Short Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald1) "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. 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 Books1) First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Authors2) The Best American Short Stories of the Century edited by John UpdikeThis Season's Line-UpEpisode 41 - F. Scott Fitzgerald:  “Babes in the Woods” & “Crazy Sunday” |  An Aperol Spritzer Jello ShotEpisode 42 - Tennessee Williams:“The Vengeance of Nitocris” & “The Resemblance Between a Violin Case and aCoffin” | A Peach Bellini Jello ShotEpisode 43 - Flannery O’Conner: “The Geranium” &“Greenleaf” | A Naturally Green Prosecco JelloShotEpisode 44 - William Faulkner: “Landing in Luck” & “That Evening Sun Go Down” | The French 75 with ginEpisode 45 - Raymond Carver: “Furious Seasons” & “Where I’m Calling From” | The 78 Jelly ShotEpisode 46 - Dorothy Parker: “Such a Pretty Little Picture” &“Here We Are” | A Pretty Pink Prosecco Jello ShotEpisode 47 - John Updike: “Friends from Philadelphia” &“Gesturing” | A Prosecco Jelly ShotEpisode 48 - Joyce Carol Oates: “Inthe Old World” & “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” | Prosecco Jelly Shot with Pomegranate Bursting BobaEpisode 49 - Alice Monro: “A Basketof Strawberries” & “Meneseteung" | Strawberry Prosecco DessertEpisode 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.

Send us Fan MailOur 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 LovesAmy’s Favorite Book Cover: A Thousand Boy KissesWendy’s Favorite Book Cover: 28 SummersWendy’s Favorite Bookish Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class, Bad on Paper, Drunken Pen WritersAmy Favorite Bookish Podcasts: Drunken Pen Writers, Faded Mates, Book BroadsOther Recommended Podcasts: The Morning Formation Podcast with KP, Two Babes and a Book, The Mean Book ClubShout Out: Oliver Fox’s article “The Four Pillars of Romance” from the Writer’s Write Blog

Send us Fan MailWendy 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 WebpageConca d'Oro Prosecco Rose Writer's Write Blog: "The Four Pillars of Romance" Article by Oliver Fox.Podcast Mentioned Today: Bad on PaperNext Episode:  Epilogue with all of our favorites for the season 

Send us Fan MailWendy 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.