Today we’re talking about what happens after everything falls apart—grief, growth, and giving women space to be messy, complicated, and real. Ashley Jordan is the author of this month’s Reese’s Book Club pick Once Upon a Time in Dollywood, a raw, funny, and emotionally honest novel about starting over when you least expect to. Ashley brings sharp wit and millennial swagger to this conversation, touching on identity, pop culture, and why women don’t need to be perfect to take center stage. She’s not here to smooth things over—she’s here to keep it real.

Dive deeper into recommended titles from Apple Books at apple.co/debutlistens

Jasmine Guillory - find her works HERE

An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones  - find it HERE

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams  - find it HERE

Beloved by Toni Morrison - find it HERE

Color Purple by Alice Walker  - find it HERE