On this episode of Complicated Conversations we chat with New York Times bestselling author Sarah Pearse. Her debut novel, The Sanatorium, was a Reese book club pick and an instant bestseller according to both the NYT and the Sunday Times where it hit number 1. Her second novel, The Retreat, is out now. It can be read before or after The Sanatorium, so dive into The Retreat today!* After Sarah tells us a little bit about The Retreat, we discuss her protagonist Elin Warner and how she is in a different place than when we met her in The Sanatorium. (02:25)* We discuss the partnership between Will and Elin. Complicated women need love too, but at what cost? (03:18)* In addition to Elin’s arc, this second novel centers around a family reunion including three sisters. So of course we HAD to chat with Sarah about family dynamics, which she is as obsessed with as we are! (06:40)* We discuss the different narrative structure Sarah used with this book and why. (09:41)* We talk about Sarah’s writing journey and whether she always wanted to write crime thrillers. (11:24)* Sarah shares what it feels like to follow-up your debut when it has garnered the amazing attention of a Reese Book Club pick. (15:05)* Even Sarah’s novel’s settings have complicated backstories. (19:09)* We discuss astrology and Sarah is surprised by just how Cancerian she is! (22:30)* Hear what Sarah is loving right now. (25:23)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.