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In which Bethanie and PKFP OG Host Ash discuss Chapters26-29 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Cath has a brief conversation with Jest, who notices herspecial hat and warns her that Hatta’s hats are not ordinary. Cath confrontsthe King about the Jabberwock attacks, but he avoids her questions, lookingashamed. As the Marquess’s daughter, Cath must lead the festival’s traditionallobster quadrille dance, and choosing her partner is a big deal. Torn betweenJest and the King, she reluctantly chooses the King. While dancing with him,Cath realizes she has fallen deeply in love with Jest. Feeling panicked by this revelation, Cath is stolen away byJest to a private white crystal cave. They talk about their situation—Jestinsists the King has good intentions and would support Cath marrying him. Cathwants to marry Jest, but they both know their difference in social class makesthis impossible. Cath worries about disappointing her parents by refusing theKing and courting a lower-class suitor, and she admits that social rank mattersto her too. During the baking contest judging, the Turtle and the Kingare among the judges. The King, clearly fond of Cath, prematurely declares herthe winner and announces she will one day be his bride, mortifying Cath.Suddenly, a scream interrupts the contest. The Turtle undergoes a horrifying transformation into theMock Turtle, gaining a calf’s head, hooves, and tail. He is devastated, and thecrowd is horrified. Cath realizes that the Turtle was the only judge who tastedher cake. Peter Peter watches her from the crowd with malicious hatred. Thecontest is suspended. Back home, Cath decides that since she won’t receive theprize money, she must ask her parents for support to open her bakery. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced byThree Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and theIntro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In which Bethanie and special guest Soumaya discuss Chapters 23-25 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Cath struggles with the King’s numerous overly sentimental love letters, which deepen her feelings of disgust, guilt, and anxiety about their courtship—especially since she knows Jest actually penned them. Cheshire visits, having learned about Cath’s attendance at the tea party, and Cath begs her to keep it secret to protect her reputation and relationships. Cheshire tells Cath about an upcoming baking contest at the Turtle Days Festival with a grand prize large enough to help Cath open her bakery—but the King will be one of the judges. Cath is still grieving the Lion’s loss and frustrated by the King’s inaction against the Jabberwock. Preparing for the contest, Cath and Mary Ann visit Peter Peter’s pumpkin patch to get a pumpkin for Cath’s spiced pumpkin cake. They find the patch heavily damaged, and Peter hostile. They hear scratching from inside a gigantic pumpkin shaped like a cage. Intimidated, they leave but Cath finds a lone sugar pie pumpkin to harvest. As they depart, Cath feels a sharp pain underfoot and discovers a miniature carousel pony like the ones on the Lion’s hat when he was taken by the Jabberwock. At the Turtle Days Festival, Cath finds Hatta’s shop, where he gifts her a hat modeled after her macarons. Hatta shares that his father, Hearts’s previous hatter, suffered from mental illness and died by suicide, and that madness runs in his family—but Hatta has found a way to escape it. He tells Cath to wear the macaron hat during the dancing and baking contest, hinting it will boost her charisma. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In which Bethanie and special guest Katherine discuss Chapters 19-22 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Hatta urges Cath to perform next at the gathering and offers her a hat to boost her confidence. Cath chooses a white bonnet, symbolizing unconventional decisions, and instead of storytelling, she shares macarons, which earn high praise and Hatta’s respect. Suddenly, the Jabberwock attacks the hat shop. Hatta, Haigha, Jest, and Raven distract the beast so the guests can escape. The Turtle freezes in fear until Cath jabs him with a stick, prompting his escape into the forest. The Jabberwock then targets Cath, but the Lion heroically throws himself in front of her and is carried off by the beast. Jest escorts Cath home, apologizing for the danger she was placed in. He praises her passion and beauty, then reveals that he and Raven are Rooks—guardians of the White Queen from the Chess realm, embroiled in a secret mission alongside Hatta and Haigha. This revelation shocks and disappoints Cath, as it means Jest must eventually return to Chess. Although Cath wants to be the reason he stays, she resolves to end their relationship. Still, they plan to meet at her family’s upcoming Turtle Days Festival, despite the King’s expected presence. Cath confides in her friend Mary Ann, who recognizes Cath’s genuine feelings but warns her that she might not truly know Jest and that he could be after her wealth or status. Although reluctant to believe this, Cath becomes determined to learn more about Jest and his true intentions. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In which Bethanie and special guest Leah from YA Book Chat discuss Chapters 16-18 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Chapters 16–18 Summary: Cath receives a white rose from Jest, who soon appears and invites her to a secret tea party. Despite her usual reservations, she agrees. Jest takes her through a magical portal system called the Crossroads to a hat shop in a forest, where the “mad” tea party is hosted by Hatta, the eccentric Hatter. At the party, Cath meets a group of bizarre characters and learns that each guest must perform. Jest performs a rhyme and vanishes into bats, leaving Cath alone with Hatta, who gives her a riddle about the heart. She answers correctly but debates the meaning, hinting at deeper emotional truths. Jest returns at the end, completing his poetic performance. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In which Bethanie and special guest Aunt Artist discuss Chapters 12-15 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Chapter 12 Summary Cath anxiously walks with the King, wondering if he plans to propose and if she can really say no to a marriage proposal—particularly when she considers how pleased her parents will be if she says yes. Cath worries that the King will guess her affections for Jest, whom she is unable to stop thinking about. Under the guise of giving the King advice, and feigning ignorance of his intentions toward her, Cath convinces the King that it’s much better to wait before proposing. Chapter 13 Summary Jest confronts Cath about misleading him about her knowledge of the King’s intentions toward her; Jest tells Cath that he thinks the King really does care for her. This irritates Cath, who sabotages a croquet game in the King’s favor as payback against Jest. The stunned look on his face satisfies Cath. Chapter 14 Summary Cath’s mother reprimands her for not securing a marriage proposal from the King and upbraids Cath for her eating habits. Cath looks for support from her father, but none is forthcoming. Her mother bemoans Cath’s lack of marriage prospects, and Cath seizes this opportunity to tell her parents about her other prospect—that of opening the bakery with Mary Ann. However, before she can do so, the Pinkertons’ butler announces an unexpected visit from the King. Chapter 15 Summary Upon hearing this news, the Marchioness’s demeanor abruptly shifts; now, she praises Cath and tells her how proud she is. Cath and her family greet the King; Cath notices Jest among the King’s entourage and cannot pull her attention away from him. Cath prepares herself for the King’s proposal, working up the courage to decline it, but she realizes that she doesn’t have the willpower to reject it. However, the King announces that he merely wishes to court Cath; Cath is stunned but notices that this declaration of the King’s appears to affect Jest, although Cath is not quite sure why. Relieved to have escaped the proposal yet again, Cath accepts the King’s offer of courtship with the intention of ultimately dissuading him from marriage. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo. 

In which Bethanie and guest artist Aunt Artist discuss chapters 9-11 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer Chapter 9 Summary Mary Ann and Cath visit the cobbler shop of the Caterpillar, hoping to persuade him to lease his building to them, but the Caterpillar tells Mary Ann and Cath that his lease is owned by Duke Pygmalion Warthog, Duke of Tuskany; they’ll have to barter with him. However, the Caterpillar assures the girls that he thinks a bakery would do well in this location; Cath jokes that to ensure her bakery’s success, she’d even hunt down the treacle well, a mythical place said to exist in the Looking Glass maze. Mary Ann and Cath visit the Duke of Tuskany, and Cath realizes that he’s not as arrogant as she previously thought; he’s just awkward and lonely. He is at first reluctant to consider them to fill Caterpillar’s lease, but he agrees to it on the condition that Cath put in a good word for him with Margaret Mearle, whom the Duke harbors deep affection for. Cath, although astounded by this request, agrees. Chapter 10 Summary Cath dreads the upcoming tea party with the King but cannot help feeling excited at the prospect of seeing Jest again. She feels conflicted over the amount of time she spends fantasizing about Jest, particularly given that she should be focusing on her bakery. Cheshire appears and informs Cath that the bodies of the courtiers who were taken by the Jabberwock have been found—torn to shreds. Cath is horrified and wants to believe that the Jabberwock isn’t real, although Cheshire advises her that it’s unwise to “unbelieve” something just because she’s afraid of it. Cath feels that something must be done about the Jabberwock, but she knows that the complacent people of Hearts would rather ignore the disturbing truth than address it. Chapter 11 Summary At the King’s tea party, Cath searches for Jest but is disappointed when she doesn’t see him. Cath talks with Margaret and the Duke; Cath highlights the Duke’s positive qualities in front of Margaret, but Margaret treats the Duke haughtily. Jest finally appears, to Cath’s elation; however, her excitement dissipates when Jest delivers a summons to her from the King. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

This week Bethanie is joined by first time guest Grace to discuss chapters 5-8 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Recap of Chapters 5–8: At the ball, Cath meets Peter Peter and his ailing wife, sensing something unsettling beneath Peter’s harsh demeanor. Soon after, she learns from Cheshire that the King plans to announce his bride—Cath herself. Panicked, she escapes the ballroom with Cheshire’s help and ends up in the rose garden, where she encounters the mysterious Joker, Jest. Jest’s golden eyes and demeanor match the boy from her dream, deepening Cath’s fascination. After fainting upon seeing a hooded figure with an axe, Cath awakens to Jest’s care and a surprising act of kindness—he secretly steals the strings to her corset to help her breathe. Upon returning home, Cath learns that a terrifying Jabberwock attacked the ball after she left. Her mother and even Mary Ann pressure her to accept the King's proposal, dismissing her bakery dreams as unrealistic. Cath is left torn between a life of comfort and a future that follows her passion. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In this week's episode, Bethanie is joined by Sierra to discuss chapters 1-4 of Heartless by Marissa Meyer. Big shoutout to Sierra who created a magnificent spreadsheet with all of the Heartless Easter Eggs and Foreshadowing! Recap of Chapters 1–4: Catherine “Cath” Pinkerton, a noble young woman in the kingdom of Hearts, dreams of opening a bakery with her best friend Mary Ann, despite her parents' wishes for her to marry into royalty. After baking lemon tarts from a dream-induced lemon tree, Cath attends a royal ball where she catches the attention of the King of Hearts—thanks in part to a striking red gown forced upon her by her domineering mother. Though the King is smitten, Cath finds him dull and feels conflicted about his admiration. The ball takes a mysterious turn when a captivating Joker, accompanied by a raven, performs an enchanting and magical act, during which Cath feels an inexplicable connection to him, and his mysterious golden eyes. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

Bethanie is joined by friend of the show Katherine to introduce the next Marissa book... Heartless! Synopsis: Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen. Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

Bethanie is joined by friend of the show Katherine for the final Lunar Chronicles episode! COVID-128 By Summary Due to unforeseen circumstances, The OG Rampion Crew + Winter are trapped aboard the Rampion while a new pandemic outbreak plagues Earth. Jacin alone remains on Earth, working at a medical hospital while he studies to become a doctor.  Each crew member is finding their own way to deal with the boredom: Carswell has created a podcast, Cress is inventing games, Iko and Wolf have started an ‘at home workout’’ platform, Scarlet is ‘watching 700 hours of tv’ like TS, Thorne as started his own podcast, Winter has taken up baking, and Kai and Cinder are trying to lead their countries from afar.  TIMELINE: according to Marissa, this takes place after Wires and Nerves. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In this episode, Leah Stuhler from YA Book Chat joins me to discuss Cinder's Wedding Adventure. *Note* This episode was a special Patreon feature recorded at the original release date of the book, 2022. Book Synopsis: Cinder, the star of the Lunar Chronicles, is getting married! She and Emperor Kai have made it to their big day – now all Cinder has to do is show up and say "I do." But it’s not so easy when there are twists and turns and obstacles along the way, and you, the reader, are in control of her fate, along with the many friends and strangers she meets on this adventure. Can you and Cinder make it to happily ever after?For fans of Marissa Meyer, this is the ultimate interactive celebration of all things Lunar Chronicles. And, you’ll also discover characters and settings from Heartless, Renegades, Instant Karma, and Gilded, along with so many possible endings! This inventive and fun adventure is a must-have for fans, only available as an e-book exclusive. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In this episode, Leah Stuhler from YA Book Chat joins me to discuss Cinder's Wedding Adventure. *Note* This episode was a special Patreon feature recorded at the original release date of the book, 2022. Book Synopsis: Cinder, the star of the Lunar Chronicles, is getting married! She and Emperor Kai have made it to their big day – now all Cinder has to do is show up and say "I do." But it’s not so easy when there are twists and turns and obstacles along the way, and you, the reader, are in control of her fate, along with the many friends and strangers she meets on this adventure. Can you and Cinder make it to happily ever after?For fans of Marissa Meyer, this is the ultimate interactive celebration of all things Lunar Chronicles. And, you’ll also discover characters and settings from Heartless, Renegades, Instant Karma, and Gilded, along with so many possible endings! This inventive and fun adventure is a must-have for fans, only available as an e-book exclusive. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In this week's episode, Bethanie is joined by Cassie from Of Slippers and Spindles to discuss the final Stars Above short story, Something Old, Something New. Something Old, Something New By Summary After Wolf moves to the farm with Scarlet; Winter, Jacin, Cress, Thorne, Iko, Kai & Cinder arrive to attend their wedding. They are bombarded by paparazzi who want pictures of the first public wedding between a Lunar & Earthen. Wolf decides to surprise Scarlet three days before the planned date to catch the paparazzi off guard and have a peaceful wedding.  Cress, Winter, Iko & Cinder distract Scarlet and trick her into getting ready for the wedding while the boys decorate the living room. Wolf & Scarlet end up having a makeshift wedding in their living room with Kai as the officiant.  During the reception, Kai & Cinder sneak away to sit by a stream, where Kai proposes to her with his mother's engagement ring and Cinder says yes. They all live happily ever after. This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

Bethanie is joined by friend of the show Katherine and Of Slippers and Spindles Host Cassie to discuss the Stars Above short story The Mechanic. Summary Kai’s android, Nansi, holds state’s secrets and cannot be entrusted to just anyone to fix, but when the royal mechanics are unable to fix her, Kai seeks out the best mechanic in New Beijing. While under disguise, Prince Kaito sneaks into the market to visit the renowned mechanic Lihn Cinder. Kai is surprised to find that the mechanic isn’t an old man, as he had assumed, but a beautiful girl his own age.  Kai is instantly charmed by her lack of swooning (que the I’m not like other girls 3) and intrigued by her other projects, including a tiny cyborg foot. When Cinder promises to fix Nansi, Kai realizes he will have to leave the android behind, but it also gives him an excuse to visit the young mechanic again.  This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.

In this episode, special guest Sierra joins host Bethanie to discuss the Stars Above short story The Little Android. The Little Android Summary Mech 6.0 is an android who is quite different from the rest… She is experiencing romantic feelings for one of the hardware engineers called Dataran. When he has an accident and falls in a tank full of oil, Mech 6.0 is determined to save him even if it destroys her metal body… And Dataran survives thanks to her help. Mech 6.0 is taken away to her mechanics where they discover a glitch in her programming that makes her unstable. They want to shut her down, but Mech 6.0 doesn’t agree and decides to escape. It seems like she has done the impossible and fallen in love. It is soon after that she manages to cross paths with renown mechanic, Linh Cinder, who though she is unable to fix Mech6.0, is able to install her personality chip into a new body. The only catch is that this new body, that of an escort droid, has no voice. Mech6.0, now known as Star, is able to return to her hanger and is now seen as a person rather than a piece of technology. The tension climaxes as Star confronts her limits. She realizes that her existence may mean sacrificing her happiness for Dataran’s and she chooses sacrificing, ending her time on Earth with an eternity among the stars.  This podcast is hosted by Bethanie Finger and produced by Three Sisters Podcast Network. Logo Art was created by Cosmic Nova Flare and the Intro/Outro music was composed by Emma Povvo.