Prosecco N Prose | A Book Club
Prosecco N Prose is a monthly virtual book club where literary analysis meets liquid courage. Former English teachers Wendy and Amy sip Prosecco (or something of the like), spill opinions, and gleefully overanalyze the books you love (and love to hate). Expect deep dives, hot takes, tangents, and a healthy disregard for “assigned reading rules.” We talk books, book clubs, and whatever else pops up in the glass. Requests encouraged. Judgement not included.
"cab"and Bea The Black Wolf
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cab and Bea Cab and Bea find everything and everyone suspect in The Black Wolf by Louise Penny. With no one to trust, they try to find beauty in the setting. But when murder is just local coffee chat, it's hard to cover it in charm. The verdict? If everyone's a suspect, at least someone better have good taste.
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The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
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Wendy and Amy felt as misled as the detectives in The Black Wolf by Louise Penny. We paired it with a Sparkling Orange Bourbon Cocktail that brought some lightness to the dark, unsettling book's tone. We mused on decoy villains, misleading cues, spies spying on spies, and a few very real-world threats. Pop a cork to the stories that make you question everything!
Whodunnit Novel: The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail: Sparkling Orange Bourbon Cocktail f...
"cab" and Bea Imposter Syndrome
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cab and Bea decide they are not imposters while discussing Imposter Syndrome by Andrew Mayne. With a magician as an author though, they wondered if this book was a trick. The verdict? They're not fooled, and they'll never admit otherwise.
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Imposter Syndrome by Andrew Mayne
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Wendy and Amy admit to feeling like imposters at times while discussing Imposter Syndrome by Andrew Mayne. We paired it with a boozy, but delicious, Prosecco Whiskey cocktail and got right into uncovering the motives behind crimes that were made for an online audience. Social media culture and exploitation, performance and deception, and illusions that make you question just who and what is real. Pop a cork to the imposters among us!
Whodunnit Novel: Imposter Syndrome by Andrew Mayne
Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail:...
"cab" & Bea After the Verdict: Chapter One
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cab and Bea are worried about their next chapter (like if they'll survive it!) when they discuss Chapter One by Michael Wood. And they know exactly who to blame for missing limbs, questionable diagnoses and needing to sleep with one eye open. The verdict? Nobody is safe and we've got questions.
Chapter One by Michael Wood
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Wendy and Amy have questions about the minds of crime writing authors while discussing Chapter One by Michael Wood. We paired it with a surprisingly sweet bourbon and bubbles mix, The Sparkler, and then attempted to unpack years of character trauma without a license. The police work might've been below our standards, but that didn't keep us from enjoying, and talking about, this messy, twisty read. Pop a cork to the stories that mess with your head!
Whodunnit Novel: Chapter One by Michael Wood
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"cab" and Bea Blood Pact
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cab and Bea were judging everybody in Blood Pact by Fiona McIntosh. And they did not find instincts to be a reliable crime-solving tactic. The verdict? Don't ignore the red flags.
Blood Pact by Fiona McIntosh
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Wendy and Amy do not enter into a blood pact discussion Fiona McIntosh's detective thriller Blood Pact, but it did have us on the edge of our seat trying to solve the crime before time ran out. WE paired it with a deceptively dangerous Bourbon & Bubbles variation that had us questioning everything. We talked everyday threats you don't see coming; instincts that always seem spot on, until they aren't; and revenge that just doesn't taste that sweet. Pop a cork to blood ties, not blood pacts!
Whodunnit Novel: B...
"cab" and Bea Murder in My Backyard
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cab and Bea were not impressed with the alibis in Murder In My Backyard by Ann Cleeves. In fact, they thought it made everyone more suspect. They also went further with the underwear drawer metaphor than anyone should. The verdict? If you're going to lie, you better commit.
Murder in My Backyard by Ann Cleeves
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Wendy and Amy get wrapped up in some village drama discussing Murder In My Backyard by Anne Cleeves. We paired it with a dangerously delicious Bourbon & Bubbles (#2) and started spilling everybody's secrets. We talked about cozy villages and nosy neighbors; twists and motives; and more suspects than we could keep track of. Pop a cork to a backyard you don't want to end up in!
Whodunnit Novel: Murder in My Backyard by Ann Cleeves
Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail: Bourbon & Bubbles #2 from Sean @itscocktailhour
"cab" and Bea: After the Verdict Discuss Michael Connelly's Nightshade
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cab and Bea nearly have a fashion crisis after reading Nightshade by Michael Connelly. Is cab's new accessory an accessory to a crime? Bea has a lot of questions, if she doesn't get distracted by a certain author photo. The verdict? If you're going to wear fur, make sure it's faux!
Nightshade by Michael Connelly
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Wendy and Amy catch some island vibes discussing Nightshade by Michael Connelly. We paired it with a Harvest Sparkle and set to work trying to untangle the twists. We talked setting, secrets and symbols, and whether our determined detective is a hero or an anti-hero. Jury might still be out on that one. Pop a cork to uncovering what hides below!
Whodunnit Novel: Nightshade by Michael Connelly
Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail: Harvest Sparkle by Fed and Fit
"cab" & Bea: After the Verdict Discuss 25 ALIVE by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
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cab and Bea are convinced they'd be a perfect fit for the Women's Murder Club in 25 Alive by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. Will their letters of intent get them an invite or will it be a cease-and-desist letter? The verdict? The jury's still out on this one!
25 Alive by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
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Wendy and Amy barely make it out alive discussing 25 Alive by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. We paired it with a Bourbon Spritz that was a lot simpler than trying to untangle some of the many storylines in this read. We're still not sure if we did, but it was fun trying. Pop a cork and join us in the hunt for answers!
Whodunnit Novel: 25 Alive by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail: Bourbon Spritz by Maker's Mark
"cab" & Bea: After the Verdict Discuss Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg
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cab and Bea nearly combust discussing all the men in Hidden In Smoke by Lee Goldberg. They play a fast game of Hot or Not and while they may not be competing for the same man, they both have eyes on a particular woman. The verdict? Never underestimate the allure of a strong woman!
Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg
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Wendy and Amy leave almost nothing hidden when discussing Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg. We paired it with a Prosecco Bourbon Cocktail and got behind the smoke to talk about characters (there were many!) and teamwork, and the symbology of LA traffic, fire, and of course, smoke. The bourbon definitely had us talking! Pop a cork to the fires that reveal the truth!
Whodunnit Novel: Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg
Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail: Prosecco Bourbon Cocktail by Midtown Olive Oil
...
"cab" & Bea: After the Verdict Discuss J.D. Robb's Bonded in Death
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cab and Bea take a ride in a coffin-shaped limo to discuss Bonded In Death by J.D. Robb. They get sidetracked by questionable furs, things that sparkle and Roarke, of course. The verdict? There's no such thing as too much glitter!
Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb
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Wendy and Amy bond (sort of) discussing Bonded In Death by J. D. Robb. We paired it with a Bourbon and Honey French 75, which got us talking about relationship bonds, detective fiction tropes, and even some numerology. Things got interesting with that! Pop a cork to the (good!) bonds in your life!
Whodunnit Novel: Bonded in Death by J.D.Robb
Prosecco Whiskey Cocktail: Bourbon and Honey French 75 from Kristen
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"cab" and Bea: After the Verdict Discuss Alison Gaylin's We Are Watching
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cab and Bea take a bit of a fashion(able) approach to their discussion of We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin. They're more focused on a blue velvet duster and officers in uniform. The verdict? Who doesn't love a man in uniform?
We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin
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Wendy and Amy grab their badges and investigate the first novel of the season, We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin. We paired it with a French 95 and then dove into conspiracy theories, digit sacrifice, secret gardens, and wolves. We also talked about how the internet can aid an abet in spreading information, whether fact or fiction, and things took a more literary turn into metafiction and binary opposition. Pop a cork and go down the rabbit hole with us!
Whodunnit Novel: We Are Watching by...
"cab" & Bea - After the Verdict Discuss Their New Podcast
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cab and Bea kick off their premier season with a roast of Wendy and Amy, because why not? They'll tell us what their mini-episodes will be bringing to the table. The verdict? Chaos and comedy!
Season 8: Prologue - Police Procedurals and Whiskey & Prosecco Cocktails
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Wendy and Amy are delving into a new season of who-dun-its and whiskey cocktails. Everything we're reading and drinking is here in the Prologue so you can read and drink along with us. We talk about the first police procedural, learn the basics of whiskey, and try our first whiskey cocktail, a Glittering Gold Rush. Pop a cork to Season 8: Who-Dun-Its and Whiskey Cocktails!
Featured Whiskey Cocktail
The Glittering Gold Rush from Carolyn at The Social Sipper with our bar cart bourbon for t...
New Co-hostesses Interview: "cab" and Bea
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It's a new year and Wendy and Amy may have some competition in the studio, if they can handle the interview. cab and Bea want to bring a little behind-the-scenes to Prosecco N Prose, but they'll need to answer some tough questions first. Pop a cork to chaos and cocktails!
Season 7 Banned Books: The Epilogue
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It's that time of the year where we look back at our favorite books and bubbly of the season. We've got a few more surprising banned book facts to close out the season and a teaser for Season 8. Pop a cork to no more banning of books!
Ingredients for Today's Ginger And Lime Sparkler:
3/4 fl. oz. ginger syrup (we made our own simple ginger syrup), 1 lime, and enough chilled prosecco to fill the glass.
Pour the ginger syrup into a flute and add the juice of h...
Looking For Alaska by John Green
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Wendy and Amy wrap up the banned book season with John Green's young adult fiction, Looking for Alaska. We talk about structure, last words, book covers, and more. Pop a cork to the bonds of teen friendship!
Ingredients for Today's Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail:
1 tbsp. super fine sugar, 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp. ginger syrup, equal quantities of pear juice and Prosecco to fill the glass, slice of stem ginger, to garnish.
Dip the rim of a champagne flue into water and then dip in...
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
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Wendy and Amy discuss America's current most banned author, Ellen Hopkins, and her gritty young adult novel, Tricks. We talk about a book so banned, British customs worked to keep it out; the benefits of reading a book with so many difficult topics; Hopkins' brilliant writing style; and a Peachy Prosecco Cocktail. Pop a cork to reads that take you on an emotional roller coaster!
Ingredients for Today's Peachy Prosecco Cocktail:
1/2 fl. oz vodka, 1/2 fl. oz. peach liqueur, 1/2 fl. oz. amaretto, 1 fl. oz. orange juice, squeeze of fresh...
Forever by Judy Blume
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Wendy and Amy discuss a much-loved teen classic Forever by Judy Blume. We discuss Ernest Hemingway, teen sex, naming conventions of certain anatomy, and, of course, our Maple Fizz cocktail. Pop a cork to books about first love and first times that stick with you forever.
Ingredients for Today's Maple Fizz Prosecco Cocktail:
2 tsp maple syrup, 1 ¾ oz. chilled cranberry juice, 3 ⅓ oz. chilled prosecco
Shake maple syrup and cranberry juice with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into tumbler and top with prosecco. Stir quickly before serving.
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The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
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Wendy and Amy discuss The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas while sipping a Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail. We tackle tough topics like police violence, media spin and how difficult stories continue to teach important lessons. Pop a cork to books that make you stop, think, reflect, and grow.
Ingredients for Today's Watermelon Prosecco Cocktail:
1 small watermelon, 6 3/4 fl. oz vodka, 1 chilled bottle of Prosecco, and fresh mint
Peel then chop the watermelon into chunks and pop them into the freezer, along with your bottle of vodka. When yo...
Sold by Patricia McCormick
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Wendy and Amy discuss Sold by Patricia McCormick and sip a Frozen Lemon Fizzer prosecco cocktail. We talk about the horrific reality of child sex slavery, gender dynamics and women as property. Pop a cork to the strength of a woman!
Ingredients for Today's Frozen Lemon Fizzer:
4 scoops lemon sorbet, 1 3/4 fl. oz. limoncello, 2 oz. Prosecco, 2 springs mint
Blend the lemon sorbet on low speed and add the limoncello slowly. Add prosecco. Pour into chilled cocktail glasses and serve garnished with mint.
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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
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Wendy and Amy discuss a beloved middle-grade read, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. We talked about friendship, grief and gender roles. We also explored how a book like this can help when tackling tough topics with young readers. Pop a cork to classics that never get old!
Ingredients for Today's Slow Gin and Blackberry Sparkle Pairing:
1 fl. oz. slow gin
Blackberries
Enough chilled prosecco to fill the glass.
Add the sloe gin to a tumbler along with a blackberry or tw...
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
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Wendy and Amy discuss their first nonfiction read ever for the podcast, George M. Johnson's memoir All Boys Aren't Blue. We talk about the benefits of reading someone else's story and how much can be learned from them, as well as the value this book in particular brings to readers. Pop a cork to being open to others' truths!
Ingredients for Today's Prosecco Cobbler Cocktail Pairing:
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp curacao
Slice of orange
Enough chilled Prosecco to f...
13 Reason Why by Jay Asher
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Wendy and Amy take on heavy topics discussing Thirteen Reasons Why by J. Asher. We talk about story structure and symbology, as well as why such an impactful story would be banned. Pop a cork to books that can teach us to look and listen for ways to help and speak up for others.
Thanks to Podcast Feedspot for helping us spread the word about our podcast!
Ingredients for Today's Black Velvet Cocktail Pairing:
2 cans Guinness
1 bottle Kirkland's Prosecco
Fill half ch...
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
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Wendy and Amy discuss a high school staple, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. We talk about the fourth musketeer, Holden as a contradiction, and ducks. Pop a cork to teen angst.
Ingredients for Today's D'Artagnan Cocktail Pairing:
1 tsp. Armagnac (We subbed Remi Martin Cognac VSOP)
1 tsp. orange liqueur (We used Grand Marnier)
3 tsp. chilled orange juice
1/2 tsp. simple syrup
Slice of orange
Enough chilled prosecco to fill glass (Kirkland's DOCG | Purple Bottle)
Links from Show:...
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
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Wendy and Amy start off the season with one of the most banned and challenged books, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. We talk about reading difficult topics and what can be learned from that. We also dive into a bit of the history of Dick and Jane readers and their use in this novel. Pop a cork to incredible writing that tackles harsh realities.
Ingredients for Today's Cocktail Pairing:
1/2 fl. oz. gin
1/2 fl. oz. cherry brandy
1/3 fl. oz. lemon juice
4 cherries (B...
Season 7 Prologue
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Wendy and Amy are kicking off another season of books and bubbly! This season we'll be talking about banned books and pairing them with some bubbly cocktails. We've got everything we'll be reading and drinking here in the Prologue. Pop a cork to Season 7, banned books, banned booze!
Ingredients for Today's Cocktail Pairing:
from Prosecco is Always the Answer by Summersdale Publishing
10.5 oz. rhubarb, trimmed and finely chopped
2.5 oz. sugar
1 bottle of chilled prosecco (We use Costco's Kirkland brand)
Season 7 Lineup:
Season 6: The Epilogue
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Wendy and Amy wrap up the season with a rundown of the books and bubbly they couldn't stop talking about. We give our top three reads and sips of the season. And throw in a teaser for Season 7. Pop a cork to all the characters of Season 6!
Never Never by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
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Wendy and Amy find themselves on opposing sides when they discuss Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher. We talked about first loves, fate, couple tattoos, and power dynamics. Pop a cork to memories!
Book: Never Never by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher
Bubbly: Zufini Prosecco
This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.
*Our apologies for the sound quality of this episode. We are having technical difficulties with our microphones. Season 7 will have new mics with the b...
The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
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Wendy and Amy lock themselves in for a thrilling discussion of The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz. We talk about characters that didn't exactly charm us, but a spooky house that did. We explore blood as a symbol and a bond. Pop a cork to dysfunctional relationships!
Book: The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Bubbly: Torresella Prosecco
This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.
Does this murder mystery meet Wendy's requirements?
Hefty Character Discussion
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Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
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Wendy and Amy take a (literary) walk in some very high heels in Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes. We talk about female friendships, misogyny in the workplace, and just how much power clothes, and shoes, can have. These characters had us on an emotional roller coaster and we loved it. Pop a cork to a great pair of shoes!
Book: Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
Bubbly: Plumeria Prosecco
This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.
Find out which co-host w...
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
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Wendy and Amy discuss a Gothic thriller, The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. We may not have found the characters very likeable, but they definitely gave us a lot to discuss! We explore the parallel storylines, relationships and control, and cursed houses. Pop a cork to messy characters!
Book: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Bubbly: C Villa Prosecco
This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY.
Have you ever hated characters so much that you wanted to DNF a book? Guess who wasn't al...
