Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People Episode S07.35: On the Shelf with Spinsters and Wallflowers Release Date: May 14, 2025
Introduction: Welcoming May and Book Tour Excitement
Timestamp: [00:00 - 01:02]
The episode kicks off with co-hosts Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop delving into the excitement and anxieties that come with May. Sarah exclaims, “It's May, which is freaking me out. Jen.” Jen reassures her, highlighting the communal spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week. They share delightful anecdotes about thoughtful gifts, emphasizing a collective love for simple yet meaningful items. As Jen quips, “Who doesn't love a notebook? Nerd. Ner. Love a notebook,” the conversation naturally segues into Sarah's upcoming book tour.
Book Tour and Special Editions
Timestamp: [01:02 - 06:34]
Sarah reveals her excitement about her new book set to release in less than two months. She shares details about a unique ribbed bodice cover edition that ties into their podcast collections. Sarah enthusiastically states, “If you order the book, if you pre-order the book from the Rip Bodice in Brooklyn, I will sign it for you and it will come with this second dust jacket because it's a hardcover.” She explains the interactive element where listeners can decide which cover best fits the book, fostering a deeper connection with her audience.
Jen adds her support, saying, “I think that's such a fun, like, bonus extra for the rip bodice edition. I love it.” The hosts further promote live events, particularly the upcoming “Faded Maids Live” in St. Louis on July 8th, encouraging listeners to join them for an engaging and interactive experience. Sarah highlights, “We'll get to hang out and take photos. We're going to hire a photographer like we did last time, so that we have lots of pictures of all of you laughing in the audience.”
Main Topic: Spinsters vs. Wallflowers in Romance Novels
Timestamp: [10:10 - 22:00]
The core of the episode revolves around the nuanced differences between spinsters and wallflowers within historical romance literature. Jen introduces the topic, noting, “does like, the difference between a wallflower and a spinster.” Sarah elaborates, drawing parallels to color differences: “It's like, you know, Gatorade red and Gatorade blue.”
They delve into the historical implications of these terms, discussing how “spinster” traditionally refers to an unmarried woman and its evolution in contemporary settings. Sarah shares a poignant moment from her book, recounting how her heroine grapples with societal expectations: “she hears her brother, her future brother-in-law say that she'll be a great aunt, and that'll be that. She hears her brother... She's like, I'm 27 and if I'm going to be a great aunt, like, if I were a man, no one would be saying that to me.”
Jen further explores the internal conflicts faced by characters deemed "on the shelf," emphasizing themes of regret and missed opportunities. “These are women who often are, like, why did I say no? Or why did it take me so long to get over being so shy or whatever it is,” Jen reflects.
Book Recommendations: Exploring the On the Shelf Theme
Timestamp: [35:42 - 77:54]
The hosts enthusiastically recommend a selection of historical romance novels that embody the "on the shelf" archetype:
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Tessa Dare’s "A Night to Surrender" (Spindle Cove Series)
- Synopsis: Set in the idyllic Spindle Cove, the story follows Susanna Finch, an apothecary and self-proclaimed spinster, who becomes the target of Colonel Bram Silverthorn's unexpected affection.
- Jen's Insight: “This is a Tessa Dare. If you love a hero who falls first and hard, Tessa dares for you.”
- Sarah's Highlight: “They kiss in chapter two, Jen. And then they stop kissing back... It’s a perfect Tessa Dare coded moment.”
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Caroline Linden’s "An Earl Like You"
- Synopsis: Eliza Turner navigates the complexities of an arranged marriage with the charming yet secretive Earl of Hastings, all while striving to safeguard her family's legacy.
- Jen's Take: “This would be a great starter romance because it really introduces... the aristocracy and the rules of society.”
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Amanda Collins’s "One for the Rogue"
- Synopsis: Gemma, a geologist, teams up with Lord Cameron Lyle to solve a mystery involving fossil smuggling and a related murder, leading to unexpected romantic developments.
- Sarah's Commentary: “It's a really charming romance... with the twist and addition of the murder mystery.”
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Stephanie Rose’s "A Whole New Ball Game"
- Synopsis: Rachel, a PR professional and romance novelist, finds herself torn between her demanding career and the alluring yet complicated Silas Jones, a retired baseball star.
- Jen's Enthusiasm: “Balls are flying everywhere, and you wanna check them out in a whole new ball game.”
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Lenora Bell’s Wallflowers vs. Rogues Series
- Synopsis: The series features heroines who form a secret society to pursue their own goals beyond marriage, confronting societal norms and personal challenges.
- Sarah's Appreciation: “The dialogue is really snappy. The plots really move.”
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Michelle Styles’s "Taming His Viking Woman"
- Synopsis: Sarah, a shield maiden, faces the challenge of an unwanted arranged marriage while defending her autonomy and identity within Viking society.
- Jen's Excitement: “All right, what can happen? What will happen?”
Tribute to Madeline Hunter
Timestamp: [60:23 - 73:47]
Sarah takes a heartfelt moment to honor the late Madeline Hunter, a pivotal figure in the romance literature community. “Madeline was the Chair of the RWA Academic committee... she was vital in ensuring that romance literature received the academic attention it deserved.” Sarah reminisces about Madeline's kindness and influence, mentioning, “She was incredibly kind and really welcoming.”
She highlights Madeline's work, particularly her novel "His Wicked Reputation," praising the strong, planned heroine who navigates societal pressures while managing her own ambitions. Sarah states, “Eva, the heroine, is a... perfectly, like, precise heroine who has a plan for her life that does not involve marriage.”
Additional Book Recommendations: Expanding the Shelf Archetype
Timestamp: [73:47 - 79:43]
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Elizabeth Boyle’s "Along Came a Duke" (Rhymes With Love Series)
- Synopsis: Tabitha, living under a familial curse that prevents her from marrying, encounters Preston, a reclusive duke, leading to a complex romance intertwined with village mysteries.
- Sarah's Synopsis: “Tabitha ... lives in Kempton, a cursed village where marriage leads to tragedy... she meets this rogue man at the forge, leading to a captivating romance.”
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Lenora Bell’s "Love is a Rogue" (Wallflowers vs Rogues Series)
- Synopsis: Beatrice Bentley, a determined woman with a physical imperfection, forms an unexpected bond with Ford, a rugged navy man, defying class differences and societal expectations.
- Jen's Insight: “She is a total book. She just doesn't have to show herself to the world.”
Conclusion: Engaging with the Fated Mates Community
Timestamp: [79:20 - End]
Sarah and Jen wrap up the episode by inviting listeners to join them at upcoming live events, particularly highlighting their St. Louis meetup on July 8th. They encourage fans to share their favorite "Spinsters" in historical romances and to explore their website for more resources and show notes. Sarah concludes with a warm invitation, “We are Fated Mates. Come and see us live in person in St. Louis on July 8th.”
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah MacLean [00:00]: "It's May, which is freaking me out. Jen."
- Jen Prokop [00:15]: "Who doesn't love a notebook? Nerd. Ner. Love a notebook."
- Sarah MacLean [05:13]: "But in this case, you don't have to. You just buy the one copy and you get both, which is how it should be."
- Sarah MacLean [14:04]: "Varietals that you experience when essentially you have a heroine that... feels like marriage is no longer an option for her."
- Jen Prokop [22:00]: "I will say so. I found myself thinking like, right on the Shelf is about being Put there."
- Sarah MacLean [73:50]: "What will happen?"
This episode masterfully blends lively discussions about the evolving archetypes of spinsters and wallflowers in romance novels with enthusiastic book recommendations and heartfelt tributes, making it a comprehensive and engaging listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Fated Mates community.