How does an author build one fictional town big enough to hold dozens of characters, mysteries, relationships—and happy endings?

Romance author Sophie Bartow joins Karen E. Osborne to discuss Whispers of Love and the interconnected world behind her small-town mystery romances.

Sophie shares how she created her fictional community, why location itself can become a character, and how minor characters in one novel grow into major characters in another.

They also explore the logistics of keeping track of characters across some 30 books, Sophie's decision to rewrite some of her earlier novels, what she loves about well-written romance, and why she's perfectly happy making readers wait for that first kiss.

Plus, what's next and book recommendations.

Listen, enjoy, and share.