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Send us Fan Mail It is that time of year when we feel the urge to huddle by the fire on a dark, stormy night with a warm drink in our hands, listening to stories that go bump in the night. It’s time for the Halloween Story Share for 2026. This year I’ve got three submissions for your macabre delight. We’ll visit a scary house, examine a painting that is not what it seems, and walk through a cathedral with a chilling secret.  Story 1: The Witches House by Mervyn Dean. Dean is a retired physician living in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, with his wife and dog. His writing journey began with academic/research papers, and drifted into short humorous articles for a medical newspaper.  Recently his has stretched his writing skills to ghost stories.  Story 2: Tall Grass by Madison Farkas. Farkas is a writer, director, actor, and award-winning playwright based in Hamilton, ON. Her latest project is Fault & Stitchery, a queer gaslamp fantasy audio drama. Fault & Stitchery     Story 3: Holy by Lauren Quinn. A veterinary student by day, spinner of yarns by night. Quinn is a collector of lore and a teller of tales. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found in the company of her two feline friends, hunting down new legends and dreaming up her next story. laurenqfrisco on Facebook and Instagram Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author (link) IG: @JacquiLents YouTube: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality Sad Dramatic – Atlas Audio Eerie Dark Ambient – Megalix Tension – Solarflex Driving Music – The Mountain Soft Wings – Alana Jordan Church atmosphere with choir – Freesound Community Gloomy Chruch Organ Music – Icsilviu One thousand years ago Victorian gothic piano music – Joel Fazhari More Beautiful Than We Deserve (Gregorian Chant) – Nick Panek Ceremonial Pay Gregorian Choir – Sonican Epic Gregorian Choir Canticum Tenebrae – VJ Galaxy

Send us Fan Mail Warning: Be ready for laughter and quirky conversation. This bonus episode consists of outtakes from Jacqui’s interview with bestselling author Rachel Linden. They discuss music, their childhoods, and oddly dramatic stories of toy ownership.    Bio for Rachel Linden –  RACHEL LINDEN is the bestselling author of many novels, including The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake and The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, which is now a Hallmark movie called THE MAGIC OF LEMON DROPS. She loves creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, food, travel, and second chances at love. Rachel’s taste for adventure and interest in people first led her to a career as an international worker with a faith-based aid organization, and her experiences living and traveling in more than fifty countries around the globe continue to provide excellent grist for her stories. She loves writing novels that combine so many of her favorite things – strong women facing big challenges, food, travel, and second chances at love. Rachel enjoys crafting bittersweet stories of struggles and triumphs infused with a touch of magical realism and with ultimately happy, or at least very hopeful, endings. Currently Rachel lives with her husband and children on a sweet little island near Seattle. When she’s not dreaming up a new story, she enjoys camping with her family in their pop top campervan, exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, eating sushi, and having grand adventures in far flung places.   Links: https://www.rachellinden.com/  https://www.instagram.com/rachellinden_writer/  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005100049437    Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author IG: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality

Send us Fan Mail In a wide-ranging conversation, Jacqui interviews bestselling novelist Rachel Linden about growing up in a conservative, internationally focused homeschooling household without TV. Linden explains how early travel and seeing poverty in Honduras led her to seven years living in Europe doing foreign aid work. She discusses her first book at age six (“Beans!”), her theme-first approach to plotting, and discovering characters through motivation. She explains how The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie became a Hallmark movie and her cameo during filming in Winnipeg. Linden also previews A Sprinkle with Sweet Serendipity and her current work teaching creative writing and drafting two new novels, including one slightly historical. Bio for Rachel Linden –  RACHEL LINDEN is the bestselling author of many novels, including The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake and The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, which is now a Hallmark movie called THE MAGIC OF LEMON DROPS. She loves creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, food, travel, and second chances at love. Rachel’s taste for adventure and interest in people first led her to a career as an international worker with a faith-based aid organization, and her experiences living and traveling in more than fifty countries around the globe continue to provide excellent grist for her stories. She loves writing novels that combine so many of her favorite things – strong women facing big challenges, food, travel, and second chances at love. Rachel enjoys crafting bittersweet stories of struggles and triumphs infused with a touch of magical realism and with ultimately happy, or at least very hopeful, endings. Currently Rachel lives with her husband and children on a sweet little island near Seattle. When she’s not dreaming up a new story, she enjoys camping with her family in their pop top campervan, exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, eating sushi, and having grand adventures in far flung places.   Links: https://www.rachellinden.com/  https://www.instagram.com/rachellinden_writer/  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005100049437    Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author IG: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality I am the Quiet – Moon Petal Media Maybe This is Enough – Moon Petal Media 30 Seconds of Bluegrass – Caffeine Creek Band

Send us Fan Mail Jacqui Lents welcomes listeners to her October 2026 audio newsletter, shares a wardrobe malfunction, and encourages closet cleanouts. She thanks attendees of Holland’s first literary festival. Come visit her in person on October 10 at Moorings bookstore during Charlevoix’s Apple Festival (1–3 PM) and November 7 at Dakota High School’s 30th Annual Holiday Craft Show in Macomb, Michigan (10 AM–4 PM).  Latest Podcast episodes: Ep 126:  Kim Gottlieb-Walker on Photography, Working With John Carpenter, and Writing Lenswoman in Love Ep 127: An Insider’s Look at Roslin, Scotland If you would like to sign up for her newsletter, go to www.jacquilents.com

Send us Fan Mail Host Jacqui Lents visits the village of Roslin, Scotland, to tour Rosslyn Chapel, known for its carvings and the Apprentice’s Pillar legend in which a jealous master mason kills his apprentice. She interviews local resident Colin, who shares local connections including Dolly the sheep, cloned nearby at the Roslin Institute. Jacqui recounts a failed activist plot to kidnap Dolly. Colin also mentions Bovril’s inventor living in Roslin, and a butcher who ended up being a Grinch for Christmas. Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author IG: @JacquiLents YouTube: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality Reference Sites https://www.nms.ac.uk/discover-catalogue/the-story-of-dolly-the-sheep  https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/24/health/dolly-the-sheep-cloning-anniversary  https://www.history.com/articles/dolly-the-sheep-cloning  https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/dolly-the-sheep-was-at-centre-of-kidnap-plot-by-green-activists-327889  https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/dolly-the-sheeps-creators-were-begged-to-clone-lost-loved-ones-3467097

Send us Fan Mail Host Jacqui Lents launches Season 5 of Jacqui Just Chatters with guest Kim Gottlieb-Walker, a UCLA-trained photographer whose career includes stills for John Carpenter’s Halloween and work as a production photographer on Family Ties and Cheers. Kim recalls working with Jamie Lee Curtis and Carpenter. Learn about the unit still photographer’s role as both promotional image-maker and on-set historian. Kim shares stories about photographing Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. Listen as Kim introduces her debut novel, Lenswoman in Love, a second-chance romance inspired by her life as a photographer in 1960s–70s.  Info/links from guest or topic: www.Lenswoman.com  www.KimGottliebWalker.com  www.TheRenaissanceWoman.net https://kimgottliebwalker.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kimgottliebwalker/  Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author IG: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality Glamor Shot -  DT_Moore Baranggay Malawag - u_tur3t0h0lo

Send us Fan Mail Jacqui discusses how to have a staycation (a vacation at home), an award for The Daphne Project, upcoming author events, and how submissions are still open for the podcast, Jacqui Just Chatters: potluck stories for grownups. But time is running out; get them in by the end of Sept. or early Oct. for the best chance of getting your story included. On Sept. 15th, the fall season of the podcast kicks off with an interview with photographer and author Kim Gottlieb-Walker (who will share her insight into John Carpenter, Jimi Hendrix, and Andy Warhol.  This month's book recommendation is The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley Want to send in a story for the Story Share series, head over to the website, read the details, and fill out the form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJbL03dUMRa1amHt3vTPFF9Rxa6X2GZIDublu3op-Oh-rAMQ/viewform  Here is a previous Story Share episode you can check out: Episode 119 - Story Share - From Istanbul to Mexico Link - https://www.jacquilents.com/podcast-eps/story-share-vacation-tales  Check out upcoming author events. Holland Literary Festival  September 12, 2026 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Holland Town Center 12330 James St Holland, MI 49424   Apple Festival October 10, 2026 1:00 - 3:00 pm  The Moorings 222 Bridge St. Charlevoix, MI, 49720 Dakota High School’s 30th Annual Holiday Craft Show  November 7, 2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Dakota High School 21051 21 Mile Rd Macomb, MI 48044 If you want more comfort read suggestions, check my videos on my website. https://www.jacquilents.com/bookrecs

Send us Fan Mail Jacqui Lents shares her August 2026 audio newsletter, including a Scotland travel story where her phone’s audio-to-text gets a foul mouth. Writers are encouraged to take part in the short story submissions for her podcast’s Story Share series, and listen to episode 102. The month's Ridiculous Reads pick is Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh, plus a September Bookish Flights book club featuring Walsh. A special thanks is extended to the attendees of the Crooked Nook event at Sherwood Brewery. Also new dresses for upcoming author events are incoming. Here are events:  August 15, 2026 1:00 - 4:00 pm Calliope Bookshelf 66870 Van Dyke Rd Washington, MI 48095   Holland Literary Festival, 70+ authors will be there. September 12, 2026 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Holland Town Center  12330 James St Holland, MI 49424   Apple Festival  October 10, 2026 1:00 - 3:00 pm  The Moorings 222 Bridge St. Charlevoix, MI, 49720 To learn more or sign up for the newsletter, go to www.jacquilents.com

Send us Fan Mail Jacqui recounts revisiting Orkney Island’s 5,000-year-old Maeshowe tomb, including Viking runic “graffiti,” and describes managing claustrophobia. Hear about an encounter with a surprise patron at the McLean & Eakin bookstore in Petoskey. Jacqui will be appearing at the Holland Literary Festival on September 12, 2026. Jacqui gives a callout to writers to submit their short stories for consideration to be featured on the podcast. Naomi Kutner’s The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Country Gardening is reviewed. Here are links mentioned in the newsletter: www.Jacquilents.com  Story Share Form  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJbL03dUMRa1amHt3vTPFF9Rxa6X2GZIDublu3op-Oh-rAMQ/viewform  Episode 69 - Story Share - Moving  https://www.jacquilents.com/podcast-eps/story-share-moving  If you want more comfort read suggestions, check my videos on my website. https://www.jacquilents.com/bookrecs

Send us Fan Mail This is the audio version of the June 2026 Chatterbox newsletter. Jacqui talks about her trip to Scotland, upcoming author events, what is happening in her Work In Progress (The Betty Project), and gives a comfort read book recommendation. Here are links to some of the videos mentioned in the newsletter: Foyers Falls and Store https://youtube.com/shorts/S0_wvkQLzgg Highland Games https://youtube.com/shorts/X2XucRQ8rwY https://youtube.com/shorts/PxpXtRUpXsw Bagpipes https://youtube.com/shorts/7VYF5no5GTY To sign up for the newsletter go to www.jacquilents.com

Send us Fan Mail Jacqui shares an impromptu interview from her two-week holiday in Scotland after visiting Foyers Waterfall and warming up in the local cafe. She talks with Olivia Grant, operations manager of Boleskine Community Care, a charity that recently bought the Foyers shop, cafe, and post office. Olivia explains that the community purchased the only shop on a 35-mile stretch to prevent it from becoming an Airbnb and to preserve essential services and social connections in a rural area. They are raising £60,000 in community shares for working capital. Hear about author updates and upcoming events, plans more Scotland episodes in the fall, invites story submissions, and shares a small win of folding laundry. Info/links: Foyers Stores & Cafe https://www.instagram.com/foyers_stores_and_cafe/  https://www.facebook.com/foyersfalls/  How to Invest https://www.foyerscommunitystores.com/share-offer    Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author (link) IG: @JacquiLents YouTube: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Magnificent Scotland by Geoff Harvey Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality

Send us Fan Mail Warning: This is what happens when the podcast editor (Jacqui) takes off, and we’re left with raw audio. Jacqui returns after a winter break from podcasting and writing. She recharged in January by reading heavily and shares where listeners can find her book recommendations. She embraces a more “middle of the road” mindset, inspired by Melanie Sanders’ “We Do Not Care Club,” and recounts a funny “bra off” flexibility story with a friend. After a reality check, she ramps up work on The Betty Project (book two in the Cobb Project series) aiming for 10,000 words a week and hitting 30,000 words in three weeks. Find out about the Third Coast Author and Book Festival in Grand Haven on March 21. Jacqui rambles about how love songs can fit friendships, playlists for her books, and her uncertain plan for season five.   Mentioned in the episode: Melani Sanders - The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook Billy Joel - Just the Way You Are JJ Heller - Better Together Indie Elliott & Paul Stanborough - Better Together Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author (link) IG: @JacquiLents YouTube: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality

Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming and humorous episode of the Jacqui Just Chatter podcast, Jacqui highlights two captivating non-fiction stories: Lisa Morrow’s vivid tale of shopping for a wedding dress in Istanbul from her book 'Exploring Turkish Landscapes', and Susan Rashid Horn’s comical adventure navigating a Mexican market.    Info/links from guest Lisa Morrow www.insideoutinistanbul.com https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutInIstanbul @IOIILisaMorrow @goreme1990.bsky.social https://www.instagram.com/insideoutinistanbul/   Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author IG: @JacquiLents YouTube: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Jacqui Just Chatters, host Jacqui interviews author Veronica Leigh. They discuss their journeys with celebrating small victories and the struggle of dealing with health issues. Leigh opens up about her struggles with agoraphobia and their impact on her life. She also shares insights into her novel, 'The Keeper of Lost Daughters,' its historical context, and the inspiration behind her upcoming trilogy about a lady sheriff in 1930s Indiana.  Links:  website is: http://veronicaleighauthor.wordpress.com  FB page is: http://www.facebook.com/veronicaleighauthor  instagram is: http://www.instagram.com/veronicaleighauthor Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author IG: @JacquiLents Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality

Send us Fan Mail Warning: Adult Language Used Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and HBO’s The Gilded Age In this lively episode of the 'Jacqui Just Chatters' podcast, hostess Jacqui Lents dives into the quirky and competitive world of 1913 Newport society, where debutantes danced for miles to win a jeweled pedometer. Joined by guests Hillary and Mandy, they explore the fascinating and humorous history of pedometer dancing and reflect on modern fitness fads and historical wealth disparities. The episode offers a blend of historical anecdotes, personal stories, and insightful discussions on the frivolities and extravagances of the Gilded Age. Info/links from topic: https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn85038615/1913-08-24/ed-1/?sp=52&q=Fad&r=-0.024,0.201,0.513,0.307,0  https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/surveillance-and-the-secret-history-of-19th-century-wearable-tech/   Do you have a story idea or thoughts about the episode? Connect with Jacqui at the following. www.JacquiLents.com FB: Jacqui Lents Author IG: @JacquiLents YouTube: @JacquiLents   Music used for this episode includes – Ratatouille's Kitchen - Carmen María and Edu Espinalfound Always – Nesrality