Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone got to celebrate the holidays with loved ones, and that the storm/travel delays/COVID didn’t derail your plans. This holiday was particularly magical for me because it’s the first time I’ve been IN MY OWN HOME for more than a week since last May.  I made myself a promise to not work until the first week of January, which of course I am unable to actually do, because I suck at relaxing. So I’ve had the pleasure of blurbing a few books for other writers, and I’ve been percolating what will be my 2024 novel.  

It's a tricky subject.  I don’t want to tell you more than that just yet, because I’m still thrashing through the thicket of plot. But I’m equally determined and terrified to tackle this, which probably means it will be extra difficult and very nuanced and, I hope, will give birth to the thousands of conversations already swirling in my head.

What is this year going to hold for me, in addition to this upcoming novel? On January 13, the Original Cast Album of Between The Lines drops digitally.  It’s SO. DAMN. GOOD.  You can preorder at whichever service you download your music.

In February, my first grandchild arrives!

Later this year there will be a lot of exciting news surrounding The Book Thief musical in the UK. (But for right now, we’ve been nominated for the WhatsOnStage awards as Best Regional Production!!!  Honestly, the fact that I am on any ballot with Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton – the viscount! – still makes me swoon like a Regency maiden. Please vote, if you can take a moment (downside: you have to click through to the Best Regional Production page; upside: you get to sigh at Jonathan Bailey’s name on page one).

Hopefully we will have some forward motion on the multiple film/streaming adaptations of my books that are in the works.

Oh, and I’m gonna co-write another musical adaptation - Austenland.  (While you’re waiting…have you listened to the Breathe musical on Audible?)

I guess it’s a good thing that I’m not very skilled at relaxing! 

May 2023 be full of love, family, friendship, adventure, good health…and excellent reading material.

XO,

Jodi

MAD HONEY Is An Instant New York Times Bestseller!

Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life—living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, raising a beautiful son, Asher—was upended when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined she would end up back in her sleepy New Hampshire hometown, living in the house she grew up in, and taking over her father's beekeeping business.

Lily Campanello is familiar with do-overs, too. When she and her mom relocate to Adams, New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, they both hope it will be a fresh start.

And for just a short while, these new beginnings are exactly what Olivia and Lily need. Their paths cross when Asher falls for the new girl in school, and Lily can’t help but fall for him, too. With Ash, she feels happy for the first time. Yet at times, she wonders if she can trust him completely . . .

Then one day, Olivia receives a phone call: Lily is dead, and Asher is being questioned by the police. Olivia is adamant that her son is innocent. But she would be lying if she didn’t acknowledge the flashes of his father’s temper in him, and as the case against him unfolds, she realizes he’s hidden more than he’s shared with her.

Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.

Order your copy today!

Download the book club kit!

Q: What are you listening to?

JP: According to Spotify’s End of Year wrap-up, a hell of a lot of Taylor Swift.

Q: What are you reading?

JP: I managed to charm a manuscript of Sword Catcher from Cassandra Clare…it’s her first adult fantasy novel. Just finished reading an advance copy of You Were Always Mine by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza – Whew. Cannot stop thinking about this.  Add to your TBR list.

Q: What are you watching?

JP: Emily in Paris and The Witcher.

Facebook Post Of The Month #1: Celia

Listened to this (Mad Honey) on audible. It is absolutely brilliant. My husband is a beekeeper. I learned a lot about that as well as being completely engrossed in the story. Highly recommended.

Have You Heard…

The Book Thief is nominated for the WhatsOnStage Best Regional Production! Please make sure to cast your vote here before January 10!

Vote now!

Facebook Post Of The Month #2: Dharma

I'm truly enjoying this book. And the fact that you and Jenny collaborated on this warms my heart beyond words. With so few of us transgender authors in crime fiction, it is a victory when one like Mad Honey breaks through. Hoping it gets lots of BUZZZZZZZ. Wishing you both much continued success.️

Need A Good Paperback To Read This Winter?

The Book of Two Ways, A Spark of Light, Small Great Things, and Leaving Time are all available in paperback.

You can read summaries and purchase the books via the links below.

Facebook Post Of The Month #3: Paulette

Jodi I am listening to your book (Mad Honey) on audible. There is not one book that I have read that has not resonated . My first book was The Pact, when my now 33-year-old daughter was in middle school and it was her summer reading at her age. I made sure I read it too. As a mom of a gay son, getting married next year, I admire your writing, and how we even question our true selves of whether we ourselves judge others and ourselves. I am proud of our son and we love his fiancée . We are all blessed to be true. True to those we love. Great reading. THANK YOU!️

Win A Signed Edition Of WISH YOU WERE HERE

Congratulations to Lauren, this month's free signed book winner.

Each month, one person will be chosen from my newsletter subscribers or Facebook fans as a winner of a free signed edition of my latest book.

Jodi In The News

Readers’ Favourite Stage Shows Of 2022

The Guardian

"The Book Thief - Bolton Octagon

I knew the book but didn’t know what to expect from a musical adaptation – and it turned out to be superb. The songs worked well, the stage scenery and lighting were stunning on such a small stage. There was also a bit of puppetry, which was just beautiful. It was a standing ovation and floods of tears from me. This show should definitely tour. Jan, 48, Manchester”

Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, And Dozens Of Other Famous Authors Shared Stories Of Their Worst Book Signing Disasters To Comfort An Up-And-Coming Author

Yahoo! News

"’I have sat lonely at a signing table many times only to have someone approach…and ask me where the bathroom is,’ added Picoult.”

Picoult Joins Forces With Trans Writer To Enrich Her New Novel, Mad Honey

News 24

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O'Hara, Matt Doyle, Denée Benton, More Star In New Audible Theater Audio Plays

Playbill

Book Review: Beekeeping Thrills

Richmond News