Enjoy this sneak peak Q&A for Dara Levan’s upcoming novel, Shaken to the Core. Levan’s second novel delves into unexpected grief and the support we can find from loved ones. Set in beautiful Vermont, this heartwarming romance will be released on June 23rd, 2026. Make sure to preorder your copy now!

Shaken to the Core by Dara Levan

Joy is a free-spirited photographer living a traveler’s life with her architect husband, Andre. But when Joy’s mother suddenly passes away and Andre receives devastating news of his own, their life is upended. This novel beautifully captures the power of found family and the transcendental support loved ones can offer in times of sudden grief.

Preorder the book now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

What was your inspiration behind the book?

While a couple may seem to have it all—be madly in love and financially stable—no one is immune to experiencing heartache. Shaken To The Core is an honest reflection on how we find joy after sudden loss, make bold choices to live a life of meaning, and on our own terms. What inspired me to write the book are the many friends and podcast guests who’ve shared stories about navigating unexpected losses. I wanted to write an engrossing novel, but also one that offers a message of hope to anyone who is forced to consider a mid-life pivot.

What are you looking forward to readers diving into?

My hope is that readers develop deep empathy about becoming a possible caregiver while being receptive to receiving and pursing their own passion. This is a story about moving forward, and it’s also about what we leave behind. Joy is the character I hope readers relate to and whose journey resonates. In some ways she leads a charmed, picture-perfect life. She’s a family photographer who lives amidst the beauty of the Vermont mountains but she is also navigating loss, detours, and difficult decisions. Can she find hope when she makes an unexpected discovery? I hope readers are as engrossed reading this book as I was writing it!

Who is a character you can’t wait for readers to meet?

Joy, the main character, is a complex, passionate woman in her late-‘30s, but I think I’m most excited for readers to meet her best friend, Mel. This is the bestie we all hope we have. The one who encourages Joy to do things she wouldn’t normally have the courage to pursue. Mel is a multi-generational Vermonter, a jeweler who’s both creative with her craft and also as a friend, mother, and wife. And she’s a riot!

What was the most difficult part about the writing process?

Overcoming my first dose of imposter syndrome. One would think that after publishing my first novel, It Could Be Worse, that I may avoid self doubt. But, I couldn’t. When I came up with the story for Shaken to the Core, I was elated and certain it would pour out of me, which it eventually did. However, before that happened, I momentarily panicked. I’m grateful for the amazing author community, many of whom have become friends. A few seasoned writers said these feelings are normal. Yet I stared at that blank cursor wondering, “How on earth am I going do this again?” But I did!

Any other sneak peeks you’d like to share? Maybe fun quotes from the book or scenes you love?

There are definitely some spicy scenes that I still can’t believe I wrote. There are also moments where I hope readers literally laugh out loud because don’t we all need to laugh now more than ever? And I know people of all ages will fall in love with the children and animals in the book, especially the puppy!

Preorder this upcoming romance today!

Dara Levan is the award-winning author of It Could Be Worse and the founder and host of the inspiring podcast Every Soul Has a Story. A passionate storyteller and community leader, she also contributes to the USA Today bestselling anthology On Being Jewish Now and serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Based in South Florida, Dara loves traveling, photography, and connecting with people wherever she goes.