This week on The Bookshop at the End of the Internet, I'm chatting with author Andy Honda, the creative mind behind the charming children's series Koa's Ruff Life. Inspired by her real-life rescue pup, Koa—a lovable Rhodesian Ridgeback—Andy's stories follow his adventures across New York City. From the Central Park Zoo to Bryant Park to Christmas in the city, each book celebrates the small, magical moments she and Koa share, sprinkled with fun NYC facts to spark curiosity in young readers. In our conversation, Andy opens up about her unexpected path from science to storytelling, the joy she finds in writing for kids, and the meaningful volunteer work she and Koa do in children's hospitals and special‑needs schools. Tune in to hear about Andy's journey, Koa's adventures, and the love letter to NYC behind this delightful series.

Author Jen Braaksma talks about a truly extraordinary project: Befriending Betsy. This book began with another writer—Betsy Pauly, a woman remembered for her kindness, humor, and deep love for animals. After Betsy passed away, she left behind pieces of a manuscript and a husband determined to see her story reach the world. That's where Jen stepped in. Jen was brought on to help shape Betsy's unfinished work, but this wasn't your typical co-authoring experience. She had to learn Betsy's voice, understand her heart, and honor a story that began long before she arrived. In our conversation, Jen shares what it was like to step into another writer's creative world, how her background as a book coach guided the process, and the unique challenge of capturing a voice that's no longer here to speak for itself. It's a moving, thoughtful look at storytelling, legacy, and the connections we forge through words.

Author Nancy Bernhard discusses her powerful debut novel, The Double Standard Sporting House. Set in New York City, 1868, during the shadowy reign of Tammany Hall, Nancy's story follows Doc—a sharp, fearless woman who runs an elite brothel as a covert way to fund her free clinic for women. Her world is one of grit, autonomy, and unexpected power, built at a time when society demanded "respectability" above all else. Nancy shares the surprising historical research behind the novel, including eye‑opening statistics about sex work in 19th‑century NYC and the complex reasons so many women entered the trade. We also dive into her writing journey, the family inspiration behind the book, and why she describes medicine of the era as "the wild west." If you love historical fiction, hidden histories, or stories about women carving out their own paths, you won't want to miss this conversation.