In this episode, Kelsey and Jenn talk with best-selling author Tim Johnston about his latest novel, Distant Sons—the All Iowa Reads selection for Adult Fiction for 2025. Random acts of misfortune, themes of masculinity and shame, and a small town haunted by great tragedy. It may surprise you or it could devastate you, but at the very least, be prepared to feel all the feels!

In this episode, Jenn and Kelsey talk with bestselling author Nickolas Butler about his latest novel, A Forty-Year Kiss. Listen to hear what in-real-life overheard conversation sparked the inspiration for this life-affirming love story, how he crafts the sublime from the ordinary, and why second chances are so compelling.

In this episode, Jenn and Kelsey talk with blockbuster author Chris Bohjalian about his latest novel, The Jackal's Mistress, a heart-stopping story of two people navigating the boundaries of love and humanity in a landscape of brutal violence. Listen in and discover why Chris Bohjalian is truly one of our greatest storytellers.

In this episode of the First Fifty Pages, Jenn and Kelsey chat with best-selling author Liane Moriarty about her new book, Here One Moment. We talk psychic encounters, free will and the unique experience of readers. We predict this is a book you’re going to want to read!

In this episode of The First Fifty Pages, Kelsey and Jenn talk with Leif Enger to chat about his latest book, I Cheerfully Refuse. Part romance, part nautical adventure, part love letter to stories, this sweetly hopeful piece of dystopian fiction has it all! You'll cheerfully refuse to put this one down!