The Lesbian Talk Show

Women and Words The Craziness Of The Hootenanny 24-30 Dec. 2016 Wherein Andi and Jove shake their heads over the crazy that was the Hootenanny, and agree with Lee Lynch that cat enhancements are probably a good thing. 24 Dec.: Author Eliza Andrews is having a big Facebook event: The Lesfic Facebook Party! in which it’s a party for readers and they can come and ask questions of authors and get in on some groovy free gift cards n’ books. January 8, 2017, 1 PM – 11 PM EST US. She was asking for author sign-ups at Women and Words, so no point to including that link. Instead,  Here’s the link on Facebook Here’s info about the authors and the event at Eliza’s site   27 Dec.: Author and national lesbian treasure Lee Lynch is posting her “Amazon Trail” columns with us at Women and Words and we are super-stoked. Here she talks a little about election aftermath and about meeting the nephew of a cat. Women and Words link HERE Lee Lynch’s website   28 Dec.: Author and Women and Wordster Jessie Chandler interviews author Genta Sebastian; giveaway of Genta’s latest! Women and Words link HERE. Genta Sebastian’s website Jessie Chandler’s website   30 Dec.: Fangirl Friday with author and Women and Wordster Andi Marquette, remembering Carrie Fisher. Women and Words link HERE Andi Marquette’s website   ALSO on 30 December, we updated our Hot off the Press/New Releases listings! Go HERE.   And: A new scholarship fund has been set up through the GCLS (Golden Crown Literary Society) to help readers attend the conference, which is the only lesfic conference in the country that we know of. If you’d like to donate, go HERE and do this: Please mark the donation ‘Lesbian Reading Room Scholarship’ in the comments field. Donations are tax-deductible.   AND! If you’re looking to get rid of some of your used LGBTQ books or donate to a bookish cause, check out LGBT Books to Prisoners. From their website: “We are a donation-funded, volunteer-run organization based in Madison, WI that sends books and other educational materials, free of charge, to LGBTQ-identified prisoners across the United States.” You can donate books or funds or go to their wishlist on Amazon and purchase books for them. HERE’S the link.   HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

Book Clips Minotaur by JA Rock Know this: I am not a warrior. I am a disease. When I was six, my parents died. When I was sixteen, I was locked away in Rock Point Girls’ Home. Nobody wants to deal with a liar. An addict. A thief. Nobody except Alle. She is pure, and she’s my friend in spite of all the rotten things I am.  There was once another girl like me — long ago. A cast-off daughter. A lying little beast who left a red stain across the land with her terrible magic. She’s imprisoned now in a maze high up on the cliffs. They say she’s half woman, half bull. They say she dines on human tributes and guards a vast treasure. They say she was born wicked. But I know her better than the history books or stories do. She and I dream together. Our destinies are twisted up like vines. Except I’m not going to turn out wicked like she is. I can save myself by destroying her. I’m going to break out of this place, and I’m going to enter the labyrinth and take her heart. And once I’m redeemed, maybe Alle will love me. You can find this novel on Amazon.com | on Amazon.co.uk | on Amazon.co.ca   Visit www.TheLesbianTalkShow.com/Reading for more information on sending us your reading for Book Clips

Lesbian Historic Motif Project Podcast  Episode 5 Laudomia Loves Margaret by Heather Rose Jones A discussion of the poetry of Laudomia Forteguerra and this historic context for her relationship with Margaret of Austria can be found in the following article. Eisenbichler, Konrad. “Laudomia Forteguerri Loves Margaret of Austria” in Same Sex Love and Desire Among Women in the Middle Ages (ed. By Francesca Canadé Sautman & Pamela Sheingorn), Palgrave, New York, 2001. You can find a discussion of this article as part of the Lesbian Historic Motif Project blog here You can find Heather Rose Jones novels on Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca     

Les Do Books The Bureau of Holiday Affairs by Andi Marquette (Book Club) In this episode, Tara and Brooklyn of The Lesbian Review, discuss their book club pick of the month, The Bureau of Holiday Affairs by Andi Marquette. Listen to find out what it’s about, who was Brooklyn’s favourite character, and which Christmas movie Tara wants to see remade with lesbians.  This podcast is seriously full of spoilers, so make sure you read The Bureau of Holiday Affairs before listening. Buy The Bureau of Holiday Affairs here on Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca Read Tara’s review at The Lesbian Review   They also announce their next book club pick, Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden. Buy Kiss the Girl here on Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca Read Tara’s review at The Lesbian Review The Bureau of Holiday Affairs Synopsis Executive Robin Preston has dedicated her life to climbing the corporate ladder, using whatever means necessary. In the shark-infested culture at Frost Enterprises, anything goes, and Robin is a master at the game. On the verge of a major promotion, Robin receives a strange visit from Agent Elizabeth Tolson of the Bureau of Holiday Affairs, who informs Robin that, though Robin may be a lost cause, the Bureau has scheduled her for intervention. Robin will receive three visitors in the two weeks before Christmas, who will escort her on visits to her past, present, and future. Robin will be forced to face not only who she’s become, but the parts of herself she left behind, when she was an art major in college and in love with fellow art student Jill Chen, in whom Robin found a kindred spirit—until Jill broke if off with her. In order for Robin to change her ways, she’ll need to reclaim who she was and open her heart again, to a past she thought she left behind. The Bureau clearly has its work cut out for it, but Agent Tolson relishes a challenge, and she’s put together just the team for Robin’s case. They may have to cut a few corners and go outside a few lines, but Agent Tolson has a perfect salvage record and she’s not about to let that change. The question is, will Robin?   More info Come talk to us about this books and any other lesfic you’ve been reading lately at our Facebook group, The Lesbian Review Book Club. [LINK TO BOOK CLUB]   You can see all of our reviews, top 10 lists and author profiles on TheLesbianReview.com and don’t forget to send your emails, questions and more to Tara@TheLesbianReview.com  

Book Clips Heartwood by Catherine Lane narrated by Ann Etter All Nikka thinks about is making partner in the law firm she works for. So, when the firm sends her to the Springs, a women’s resort town and home of famous lesbian author Beth Walker, Nikka jumps at the chance to prove herself to her sexy boss, Lea. But nothing in the Springs is as it seems. Beth is hiding secrets about her mysterious past with movie star Dawn Montgomery. Lea may only be out for her own gain and keeping Beth a prisoner in her own home. And the only person who might see the truth of the situation is adorably impulsive Maggie. Will Nikka stay true to her life’s ambition, or will she dare look into the mystery—and into her own heart? You can find this novel on Amazon.com   on Amazon.co.uk on Amazon.co.ca       Visit www.TheLesbianTalkShow.com/Reading for more information on sending us your reading for Book Clips

Therapy Cafe  Lightning Round 3 of 3    In this episode, Zane (Soul Mates) and Thalia (Eagle Cove) continue our Lightning Round with Part 3 of 3 where we answer questions about lesbian relationships.   What is a Lightning Round you ask? We asked listeners to send in lesbian dating, sex, and relationship questions that can be answered by a simple 'Yes' or 'No' response. And then during the episode, our guest moderator, the world-famous Velvet Lounger of The Lesbian Reading Room ask these questions of Zane and Thalia who attempt to answer as many as possible in 10 minutes. Velvet also personally answers the questions and asks us to elaborate on our simple 'yes' or 'no' responses occasionally.  We spent a fair amount of time laughing.  We entertained ourselves.  Hopefully, we'll entertain you as well. Be sure to send us your questions to contact@therapy.cafe.  And subscribe to and rate our show on Podbean and iTunes. We can't do the show without you.

Book Clips Christmas At Winterbourne by Jen Silver    In This Episode of Book Clips Jen Silver reads from her novel Christmas At Winterbourne. Synopsis The Christmas festivities for the guests booked into Winterbourne House have all the goings-on of a traditional holiday. The only difference is that this guesthouse is run by lesbians, for lesbians. When the guests arrive, tensions are already simmering between the house's owner Wilma (Wil) and very pregnant partner, Gabriella. Wil has a lot on her plate...ensuring the smooth running of the events, looking after all the guests, including her in-laws and business partners. What she hasn't planned for is a ghost from Christmas past. Wil inherited Winterbourne from her adopted mother, Kim Russell, author of a series of successful lesbian novels. Most of the guests who stay, do so because they are fans of the author. One guest, Sally Hunter, is on a mission to write Kim's official biography. She meets with resistance from the people at the house she tries to interview, stirring up memories from those who knew the reclusive writer well. For a bit of extra spice to the festivities, add in an unexpected snowstorm, a disappearing guest, and an imminent birth. Join the guests and staff at Winterbourne for a Christmas you'll not soon forget.   You can find this novel  here on amazon.com here on amazon.co.uk  here on amazon.ca    You can find Jen Silver on her website   Email us on Podcast@TheLesbianTalkShow.com if you have questions or comments.

Christmas Special Les The Night Before Christmas by Kelly Aten Hi there, my name is Kelly Aten and I’m one of those ‘Aspiring Writers’ that gather around the fan fiction sites and Facebook writer’s pages. You know the type, the kind that is also a massive reader and fangirls every time a favorite author likes our comment on Facebook? Anyway I started thinking about the holidays and how everyone has their own rituals and traditions. Maybe your holiday isn’t complete unless you watch your favorite cartoon or movie on TV. In our house we watch the movie Piranha staring William Katt (1995) every Christmas eve. My partner started it more than fifteen years ago with her brother and I’ve now been inducted into the tradition.  So anyway, television, books, magazines, they swamp us with those ‘traditional’ stories and fables every year but what if you just can’t relate? I started thinking, why can’t I re-write one of those holiday classics? For instance, maybe I could re-write something like ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The poem was first published in the Troy Sentinel in 1823 but there is some dispute as to whether it was written by Henry Livingston Jr. or Clement Clarke Moore. No matter who wrote it though, I find it out of date and hard to relate to. And because of the fact that it is nearly two hundred years old I have decided to change the words to something that I think better fits my life, love, and humor. Hopefully you feel the same way. Here is my spoof on ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (aka “A Visit From St. Nicholas” or “The Night Before Christmas”) Les The Night Before Christmas (A Visit From St. Nicolette) ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a pet was stirring, cats and dogs all worn out; The stockings were hung by size left to right, ‘cause my crazy wife takes OCD to new heights The children were exhausted from game night again, Dreaming of Minecraft, Nerf, and Kylo Ren We were in lounge pants, hers black and mine red Bras both removed when the kids went to bed When out on the lawn there was a scream and a squee, We pushed pause on Netflix and went to go see. Aluminum bat in hand, I stood at the door ready A memento of softball when my knees were still steady I peeked through the window and blinked kind of slow Into a yard that was twinkling with lights on the snow At first I blamed wine and alcohol blurred eyes, For the sight of a sleigh with woman inside, Wearing a red flight suit both voluptuous and svelte, She was pulled by robot reindeer wearing fake fur pelts. Both nimble and sure it was a safe bet That our wintertime guest was Saint Nicolette “Stay! Dasher, stay! Dancer, stay! Prancer, and Vixen, “Wait! Comet, wait! Cupid, wait! Donner and Blixen; She came to the porch and knocked on our door I ducked down beneath the window unsure What could she want on such a cold night? Shouldn’t she be out on a world-circling flight? Cautious and leery I drained my wine cup, Then opened the door and said ‘Hey Nic, what’s up?’ With a twinkling and winking of her coal-black eyes She shouldered a sack and shoved me aside ‘I hear you leave cookies and wine for the elves’ ‘I thought I’d come down and see for myself’ ‘I also hear that you and the wife have been good’ ‘But things in the bedroom have not been what they should A bundle of toys was slung on her back, And she looked like a pervert just opening her pack: Her eyes - how they twinkled! Her dimples how merry, Her cheeks were like roses, her nose like a cherry; I suspected she drank as she dashed through the snow How else to keep warm without a fire’s soft glow? The first thing pulled out was labeled ‘Santa’s Secret’ The wife, intently watching, said ‘Oh ca

Les Do Books Too Novella Of The Year - It Had To Be You by Clare Lydon In this episode, Sheena and Tamara chat about one of the best stories they have read this year. Lydon astounds with this brilliant read. And even better the book is entirely free when you subscribe to her mailing list. Warning: This Episode contains much enthusiasm oh and spoilers Synopsis When Georgia meets Milly, she knows she could be a game-changer. But then she meets her mother, and all hell breaks loose. Get it here  

Curves Welcome The Art of Conversation Novelist and Motivational Blogger Suzie Carr discusses a personal dilemma she has struggled with since childhood, and how she has learned to deal with it. More info Join Suzie’s Facebook group Feed Your Joy  Visit Curves Welcome to receive 2 free stories by submitting name and email  Email Suzie questions and comments

The Ladies Room by Kayt Peck A dream is housed in the dusty, unused storage room above the Tickled Texan, one of Amber, Texas’ two gay bars. Journalist April Sims serves as the reluctant leader in making that dream a reality. Under her guidance an eclectic group of women build a safe place in a community where being lesbian can be dangerous and difficult. April meets Sophia Mendez, a local attorney, as she seeks legal guidance for members of the group. In meeting with the women of the Ladies’ Room, Sophia finds herself dealing with personal as well as professional issues. When a radical religious group levels an attack on the entire gay community, even to the point of a vigilante attack on the Tickled Texan, the strength and unity of the women of The Ladies’ Room will be tested to the core. Only time will tell if the beauty of the dream can override the ugliness of a harsh reality.    You can find this novel on Amazon.com | on Amazon.co.uk| on Amazon.ca     Visit www.TheLesbianTalkShow.com/Reading for more information on sending us your reading for Book Clips

Harper Bliss And Her Mrs   A Review Of 2016 (Season 1 Finale) In this episode Harper Bliss and Her Mrs (Caroline) discuss what they did this year. What goals were reached and were not reached. They look at the highs and the lows and chat about what they learned. They also give us some hints as to what is to come for 2017. If you have questions please feel free to email them to HarperBliss@TheLesbianTalkShow.com and they will either answer them on the show or on their blog.   You can also find Harper Bliss on her website HarperBliss.com or on the Ladylit website Ladylit.com check out her books on Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.ca       You can find more on Harper Bliss And Her Mrs on TheLesbianTalkShow.com  

Therapy Cafe Keeping The Doors Open In this episode, Zane (Soul Mates) and Thalia (Eagle Cove) help parents of their newly out lesbian daughter set proper boundaries for sleepovers. The Therapy Café is brought to you by The Lesbian Talk Show where you can find this and other fine lesbian podcasts. Be sure to send us your questions to contact@therapy.cafe.  And subscribe to and rate our show on Podbean and iTunes. We can't do the show without you!

Women and Words podcast overview 12-16 December 2016 All Jove and Andi can say at this point is HOLY CRAP WTF because the Hootenanny is in full swing at Women and Words, and that is all that goes on for a couple of weeks. Twelve days, to be exact. Because when Jove and Andi thought the concept up, they thought it was a good idea at the time, to do 12 days. Now they think they’re each coo-coo for thinking that at one point, but here it is and here they go. So basically, friends, no other blogs go up during this time and it is insane. Women and Words is easily giving away 40-50 books a day along with some other stuff. Every day’s list is different, so you’ll get tons of exposure to all kinds of authors and books and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment on each day’s blog.   COME ON BY.   And Andi fangirled over Star Wars: Rogue One, which she went to see with Tucker the Merry Elf. And then she expressed reservations about the upcoming season (4) of The 100. So that’s it. This week was more an omg therapy session for Jove and Andi, caught in Hootenanny madness. Also, there will be no Women and Words podcast on the weekend of 24 December, as the last day of the Hootenanny is the 23rd and the day before Christmas Eve and the beginning of Hanukkah, so we know people are busy. We’ll be back 30 December! Stay toooooned and hope everyone has a safe holiday season. And please come visit us at the Hootenanny. Send pizza and eggnog. Hugs n’ kisses from the crazy, Jove n’ Andi

The Gravity Between Us by Kristen Zimmer   New Adult novel: recommended for 17+ due to mature themes and sexual content.   Where does friendship stop and love begin? At just 19, Kendall Bettencourt is Hollywood’s hottest young starlet, with the world at her feet – but behind the glamour and designer dresses is a girl who longs for normal.  Payton Taylor is Kendall’s best friend since childhood, and the one person who reminds her of who she really is – her refuge from the craziness of celebrity life.  With her career taking off, Kendall moves Payton to LA to help keep her sane. But Payton is hiding a secret that could make everything ten times worse. Because to her, Kendall is more than a best friend – she is the only girl that she has ever loved.  Just as they need each other more than ever, they’ll have to answer the question of where friendship stops and love begins? And find out whether the feelings they have can survive the mounting pressure of fame… The Gravity Between Us is a daring, romantic, emotional story about friendship, love, and finding the courage to be yourself in a crazy world.    You can find this novel on Amazon.com| on Amazon.co.uk | on Amazon.ca      Visit www.TheLesbianTalkShow.com/Reading for more information on sending us your reading for Book Clips