Hadley Leggett

I write contemporary book club fiction, which means stories that spark discussion and debate about our complicated modern world. Readers can expect sticky moral dilemmas, relatable characters who sometimes make bad decisions, and family drama where the "right" answer isn't always obvious. I like to write multiple points of view where the story changes drastically depending on who's telling it, and my books contain plenty of conflict—but you'll also find unexpected friendships, rekindled relationships, and surprising acts of selflessness.

My family moved around a lot when I was a kid, from New England to the Midwest to Arizona and Texas. I've spent my adulthood in California and Washington, so I've basically lived in every corner of the USA except Florida. Moving around so much has given me a somewhat fragmented sense of home, but it's great for writing fiction—I have so many settings to choose from!

A voracious one. Nothing made me happier than lugging home a tall stack from the library. Although I read all the usual suspects like The Babysitter's Club and Nancy Drew, my favorites were always about animals: Where the Red Fern Grows, The Incredible Journey, Owls in the Family, and a series called Animal Inn about a vet's daughter. I guess it's not surprising that I grew up to foster kittens!

This is an easy question, because I've only published one book so far. All They Ask Is Everything is the story of a biological mom, a foster mom, and an estranged grandmother who each think they're the best possible mother for the same two little girls—but end up discovering they have far more in common than they thought. I call it my love letter to the messiness of motherhood, and I've heard from so many struggling moms who say it made them feel seen.

It's hard to narrow it down to just five! But in no particular order, these authors are automatic buys for me: Liane Moriarty, Celeste Ng, Brit Bennett, Rebecca Makkai, and Steven Rowley.

I absolutely love the book No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister, and I've gifted it to all my book-loving friends. The title comes from the quote "No two persons ever read the same book," and it's a series of interconnected short stories about characters who are each changed in a different way by the same novel, starting with the author herself and the agent who finds and sells the manuscript. It's a beautiful testament to the power of literature and also just a really fun read!

Probably Julie, the foster mom in All They Ask Is Everything, because she's always dreamed of becoming a mother but then is blindsided by the realities of parenting when she starts fostering two young girls. I've never been a foster mom (except to dogs and cats), but like Julie, I was pretty judgy of mothers before I became one myself and realized there's no such thing as a perfect mom—we're all flawed humans trying our best.

Can I pick two? Third Place Books in Seward Park is the store where I did my debut author event, and it's gorgeous—all warm, honey-wood tones, with an incredible children's section and even an in-store pub and cafe. I also love Island Books on Mercer Island, which holds fantastic events and has the friendliest booksellers you'll ever meet.

I write at a desk in my bedroom, but it has a great view of downtown Seattle, and my husband insisted on getting me an external monitor, keyboard, and laptop stand, which has done wonders for my carpal tunnel. I've got a poster of my debut novel hanging on the wall, and there's always a cup of coffee resting on the homemade ceramic coaster from my son. Oh, and there's usually a rescue cat or dog in my lap!

I always get my best reading done while camping, so my favorite place to read is outside, under the shade of giant redwoods, in a canvas fold-up chair. Preferably with a cold can of lemon La Croix water and a river babbling nearby.