The Next

Empowering Readers One Story at a Time

KATHLEEN BROOKS

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

On Love, Life And Community

ISSUE 61

I t is with immense pride and admiration that Reader’s House Magazine features Kathleen Brooks, a multiple-time New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, on the cover of our upcoming issue. With a distinctive voice and remarkable ability to craft worlds and characters that resonate deeply with readers, Kathleen has earned her place among the literary greats.

Kathleen Brooks epitomizes the magic of storytelling, weaving together humor, suspense, romance, and heartfelt moments into unforgettable narratives that transport readers into charming fictional small towns filled with vibrant personalities, quirky animals, and steadfast communities. Her stories radiate warmth and humor, offering escapism while tackling themes of empowerment, self-discovery, and the triumph of good over evil.

One of Kathleen’s greatest gifts to the literary world is her dedication to crafting strong female heroines—women who aren’t afraid to take chances, open their hearts, and embrace their strength. These inspiring characters are complemented by the men who love them, showcasing romances that go beyond clichés to explore authentic relationships rooted in growth, vulnerability, and mutual respect.

Kathleen’s work embodies the universal appeal of romance and romantic suspense while deftly subverting misconceptions about the genre. Her exploration of empowering themes in books like those featuring Paige Turner—a heroine who humorously lives out romance tropes while learning confidence and courage—proves that romance is anything but “fluff.” Instead, her stories are empowering and transformative, capturing the courage it takes to embrace one’s identity and desires.

Having sold millions of books worldwide, Kathleen has created a legacy that transcends traditional publishing success. Her stories have graced the hands and hearts of readers globally, earning her accolades and admiration from audiences of all backgrounds. Whether reading her books in print, digitally, or through audiobook, her fans are united by their love for her compelling tales of humor, hope, and happily-ever-afters.

Kathleen’s journey is as inspiring as her stories. From earning a juris doctorate at the University of Kentucky to practicing law and eventually becoming a full-time writer, she embodies the essence of following one’s passion unapologetically. Her life’s path reflects the tenets of her characters—seizing opportunities, daring to dream, and believing in the power of love and community. And while her fictional towns are captivating, Kathleen remains firmly rooted in Kentucky, where she lives with her family and two adorable dogs—who, we might add, are vying for cameos in her future books.

Featuring Kathleen Brooks in Reader’s House Magazine is not just a celebration of her achievements but a spotlight on the enduring impact of her work. At the heart of Kathleen’s success lies her ability to unite readers through laughter, suspense, and heartfelt romance, making her stories cherished literary treasures. As we celebrate Kathleen Brooks, we also celebrate the joy, hope, and empowerment she brings to readers across the globe—one book and one heroine at a time.

We’re thrilled to bring Kathleen’s incredible journey, her love for storytelling, and her wisdom to our Star Interview, where she will share insights into her creative process, inspirations, and her vision for the romance genre. For fans and aspiring writers alike, this issue promises to be one to treasure.

Congratulations, Kathleen Brooks, and thank you for gifting the literary world with your brilliance. Your work reminds us all that humor, love, and community are the greatest stories we can tell—and live.

The Queen of Historical Romance

Laura Lee Guhrke

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Bestselling Novels to Timeless Love Stories – A Journey of Passion, Persistence, and Inspiration

ISSUE 62

W hen it comes to the art of storytelling, certain writers transcend the boundaries of the page, evoking timeless emotion, vivid imagery, and narratives that captivate readers across generations. This issue, Reader’s House is honoured to feature Laura Lee Guhrke, a trailblazer in the world of historical romance, on our cover. With a career spanning thirty novels, two coveted Romance Writers of America RITA Awards, and a legacy etched across bestseller lists, Laura’s contribution to the literary world is not only prolific but iconic.

A passion for history and heart forms the foundation of Laura’s work. Her stories transport readers to richly detailed settings, weaving tales that blend historical accuracy with the magic of romance. From Victorian London to glittering American estates, her characters leap off the page, delivering fierce chemistry, bold humour, and emotional depth. What sets Laura apart is more than her ability to write captivating romances – it’s her instinct for understanding the human experience, folding vulnerability, strength, and authenticity into each character and plot. Her heroines are determined and complex, while her heroes are dynamic and deeply human. Readers don’t just get swept away into Laura’s stories; they find a part of themselves within them.

Beyond her literary achievements, Laura’s journey is one of inspiration and reinvention. From her beginnings in advertising, catering, and construction management, to her transition into becoming a full-time novelist, Laura reminds us all that life is meant to be lived boldly and passionately. Her candour about her creative process reveals the grace and grit required to craft unforgettable stories. Moreover, her heartwarming anecdotes and profound insights into writing, from understanding character chemistry to facing personal challenges while pursuing her art, serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of every storyteller.

What inspires us most is Laura’s enduring relationship with her readers. She not only writes for herself but nurtures an ongoing dialogue with her audience, embracing their feedback whilst charting her creative path. Through her humour, humility, and wisdom, Laura has built a community of loyal fans who treasure her not only as an author but as a source of guidance, inspiration, and hope.

As a genre, historical romance resonates deeply with readers because it reminds us of the universal longing for love—despite barriers of time, class, or circumstance. Laura Lee Guhrke captures this poignantly, showcasing the triumph of love against all odds while reflecting the challenges of the human spirit. In a time when the romance genre continues to evolve, her steadfast commitment to stories laced with authenticity, passion, and sparkle reminds us why love stories, especially those rooted in history, will never go out of fashion.

In this exclusive issue, Laura takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, delves into her most personal storylines, and shares invaluable wisdom for aspiring authors. From the challenges of historical accuracy to crafting compelling character chemistry, Laura’s insights are an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of spinning their own tale.

Laura Lee Guhrke doesn’t just write novels; she builds worlds, ignites imaginations, and connects hearts. Her influence on the literary landscape of historical romance is undeniable, and her stories are a gift to every reader fortunate enough to travel through the pages of her books. We are honoured to celebrate her remarkable journey, dedication, and artistry with this month’s cover story, inviting you to discover (or rediscover) the magic of Laura Lee Guhrke.

Here’s to the timeless art of romance, to the stories that make our hearts race, and to a woman who reminds us of the enduring power of love!

With admiration,
The Editors at Reader’s House

Illuminating History Through Storytelling

LISA SEE

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

The Bestselling Author on Unveiling Hidden Voices, Timeless Friendships, and the Power of Women’s Bonds

ISSUE 63

I t is with immense pride and excitement that Reader’s House features the renowned New York Times Bestselling author Lisa See on the cover of this  issue. Lisa See is more than a storyteller; she is a historian, a cultural bridge-builder, and a champion of voices often forgotten by time. Her body of work — including beloved novels such as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, and The Island of Sea Women — captures not just moments in history, but the human experiences that transcend eras, cultures, and geographies. Her voice resounds deeply, illuminating the struggles, resilience, and interconnected lives of women across centuries.

Lisa See’s novels are a masterclass in narrative balance, offering readers rigorous historical depth intertwined with the emotional truths common to all humanity. With every story she writes, she brings to life the courage, grit, and sisterhood of women, whether it’s the haenyeo divers of Jeju Island, the Akha people in China, or midwives navigating societal restrictions during the Ming dynasty. Her writing is a reminder of literature’s power to break barriers, dismantle silences, and create a shared understanding of diverse worlds.

In her latest novel, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, Lisa See once again demonstrates her unmatched ability to weave historical threads into vibrant storytelling. The book’s protagonist, Tan Yunxian, challenges gender constraints of the Ming dynasty with the art of medicine, becoming a symbol of resilience and sisterhood for women of her time — and ours. Through meticulous research and inspired creativity, Lisa See reveals truths about history that resonate strongly with modern readers, reminding us of the timeless strength found in women’s bonds, their wisdom, and their capacity for change.

Lisa See’s stories carry the invaluable gift of perspective—drawing from her own Chinese American heritage while revealing the overlooked lives lived within the margins of history. Her ability to see the universal within the specific has made her an enduring voice in contemporary literature. Her dedication to historical accuracy, coupled with her passion for uncovering stories worth telling, inspires readers and writers to look beyond the obvious.

In this exclusive issue, we delve into Lisa See’s artistic process and her thoughts on the themes that have defined her career. We explore her approach to research so rich it immerses readers entirely, her instinct for finding connections between past and present, and her commitment to showcasing the importance of female friendships and hidden voices.

Lisa See teaches us that storytelling is more than crafting a compelling narrative — it’s about honoring the lives and experiences of those who came before us and inspiring those who will follow. It is for this reason, and so many more, that Reader’s House is proud to celebrate Lisa See, a woman whose stories continue to redefine history, culture, and the bonds that unite us all.

Let Lisa See inspire you this time as she inspires us every day.