Join me for this week's The Happy Meemaw Reads with Author Chris Grooms as we discuss his love of all things fantasy, and the creation of Gaiand and his character, Wulf Blackhawk. Chris is a retired US Marine who loved all things fantasy as a kid, found D&D, and shared his love of all things fantasy with his sons. We chat about his books, including the soon-to-be-released "Tales from Gaiand: The Wraith", and his passion for writing.

You can learn more about Chris at Chris Grooms – Fantasy Writer

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Imagine looking around for some property on the water where you can escape for the weekend, and that search takes you to the cutest little retro inn in need of some TLC. That's the story of Riverview Inn owner Kelly Woods Vaughn and the adorable boutique hotel her family owns and operates in Colonial Beach, VA. Kelly discusses the journey to the inn, its renovation, and its role in the revitalization of Colonial Beach.

Visit the inn at Riverview Inn | Waterfront Motel in Colonial Beach, VALearn more about Colonial Beach at Visit Colonial Beach, Virginia | Beaches, Events & Getaways

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It's Meemaw Music Monday and this week I'm picking my top 5 songs by the iconic group Chicago with my friends Julie and Kathy. We've all been fans for nearly 50 years and have some very difference preferences when it comes to this legendary band, their songs the sound of our childhood.

Here's hoping you find a new listen, and maybe a new favorite!

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Few writers out there cranking out great thrillers can boast the resume that Jeffrey James Higgins has - he has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor, and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and ABC News , among others.

And now he has created the Nathan Burke thriller series, with the most recent in the series, The Ugandan Protocol, set for release on March 31. His last release, The Havana Syndrome, was selected as one of the best books of 2025 by Library Journal.

I had a great time chatting with Jeffrey James Higgins. You can learn much more about his writing, purchase his books, listen to his podcast (he's interviewing writers, too), and find out about his other business, Elaine's Literary Salon, by visiting Thriller author Jeffrey James HigginsAs always, thanks for listening!

I'm so happy to welcome back author Wendy L. Anderson for this Friday's The Happy Meemaw Reads as we discuss her newest release, "The Dragon Thief's Heart." The book released Jan 13 and we discuss this stand-alone novel, Anderson's 15th release, and the coming-of-age story of Kieran and Una and how Kieran's quest to become a warrior gets him much more than he bargained for.

You can learn more about Wendy and get your copy of "The Dragon Thief's Heart," as well as her other releases, by visiting Home | Wendy L. Anderson | Fantasy Author

You can also find much of her work on Amazon and on Kindle Unlimited

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This week on The Happy Meemaw, I'm joined by my wonderful friend, Dr. Mary Margaret Carrillo, to catch up on her amazing project, the Latina Voices Institute. Borne from her life's journey and pathway to her doctorate, Mary Margaret is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind the Latina Voices Institute. She leads initiatives that provide learning opportunities and cultivate leadership among Latina women around the world.

To me, she is a good friend whom I couldn't be prouder of. I loved catching up with her and hearing the underlying joy in her project's success.

You can follow Latina Voices Institute on Facebook and Instagram.

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This week I'm joined by Sue Henderson, a military veteran who has traveled to over dozens of countries throughout her life. Last summer she and her husband took an extended trip to Italy and we discuss how they planned, tips and ideas to make your planning easier, and details about their fantastic Italian visit.

Sue and her husband will be hosting an info session on travel planning in the Fredericksburg, VA area on January 20. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1VXKrmp8fP/

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For my first episode of 2026, I once again sit down with my friend Rob Fagan to discuss the release of his book, "31 Days to Emergency Preparedness and Personal Resilience." We talk about his vast experience in emergency preparedness and disaster management, and how he's working to educate anyone interested through his book and a course he's developed. Learn more about it at Unlimited Emergency ManagmentHappy New Year, and thank you for listening!