Pop, Fizz, Clink

by Jenna Beall Mueller

It's the day before Bea Parker's 30th birthday and a week until Thanksgiving. A milestone birthday and a holly-jolly season practically made for happy couples loom. But Bea doesn't have an adoring partner who will gladly drive an hour to the countryside and cut down a Fraser fir with her. She doesn't have a beautiful home to decorate or a chubby baby to sit on Santa's lap. Bea doesn't even have a fulfilling career to throw herself into. Instead, she's working as a mid-level graphic designer, living in a dilapidated apartment, and her greatest confidante is a blind dachshund. And to top it all off? She's just been given a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Thirty, flirty, and thriving? More like thirty, flirting, and flailing. Literally.

Bea's MS diagnosis prompts her to reclaim her life in ways big and small, from chasing a passion for tiny homes to putting her heart back on the dating scene. But the road to recovery isn't straight and narrow, and as Bea discovers, there are a whole lot of twists, turns, and setbacks. But sometimes? Well, sometimes life surprises you in all the best ways.

342 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2024

About the author

Seriously. Crash your grocery cart into mine and watch me apologize profusely, just as any good Midwesterner should.

I live in Cincinnati, Ohio, home of Skyline Chili and Fiona the Hippo. My husband is handsome and bearded. Plus, he cooks supper every night, so I'm pretty sure he's perfect. We are parents to the cheekiest toddler. She's a little peanut and reminds me so much of Ludwig Bemelmans' Madeline. We have three dogs of all shapes and sizes and are passionate about rescue.

I write whimsical children's stories and adult love stories—funny, charming, slightly quirky ones. Rom coms. I was raised Catholic, so I can't pen the super steamy stuff. I'll combust, I think. My heroines are a lot like me: they’re worried about climate change (yet never remember their reusable shopping bags), they do the awkward sway at loud bars/clubs while silently praying the group moves to a quieter location, and they definitely don't think quick on their feet.

Oh, and they believe Ina Garten is a national treasure, but isn't that a truth universally acknowledged?

I'm fascinated by the everyday. I am always interested in what you ate for breakfast, and I want to hear all about the true crime podcast you listened to on your way to work. So please, do tell.

I feel very lucky to have a platform for telling my stories.

Thank you, thank you for reading them.

Reviews

[Jenna Beall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m the author of this book, so I am extremely biased! ;)

I hope Bea’s story makes you laugh, cry, and swoon. And I hope it gives you all of those warm and fuzzy holiday feelings! Most of all, I hope this novel reminds you that we never truly know what’s around the corner, and that sometimes, life surprises us in all the BEST ways.

[Vinsci Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I am so glad Pop, Fizz, Clink is the first book I finished for 2025. I initially thought this was a romance book, but it was so much more. Bea just turned thirty. She's single, working as a mid-level graphic designer, and to top it all off, she was just diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
This book was beautifully written. I actually felt like I was part of Bea's life. I remember being thirty and thinking about my career path and evaluating if I am happy with my job and the state of my life. As a nurse I had few encounters with MS patients. Each patient may have different symptoms, prognosis, and treatments. MS flare-ups are no joke. But one thing I learned from the patients I had encountered was they are resilient. They don't let the disease define them. The cover and the title of the book look so fun, but this story made me cry a few times. Not only because of Bea's diagnosis but also about her family relationships, career, and dreams she thought she wanted slipping through her hands. I really enjoyed reading about Bea's growth as a person as well as the relationship realization between family, friends, and Chris. I wished there were more scenes between Bea and Chris. More scenes where you see how Bea is supported by her amazing family and friends as she navigates life with MS.

[Karen Kilbane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna, what an amazing job you did with this book . I am so proud of you. I hope you’re working on your next book.
The characters were smart , funny and heartwarming. I love your writing style and the beautiful way you captured Cincinnati. I learned a lot about MS. I know Bea handles it beautifully and I know you do as well.
Love you sweetie!

[Leanne Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down! I fell in love with the quirky characters and the heartwarming story of self-discovery and perseverance! I got so vested in these characters that I found myself both giggling out loud and shedding tears in silence… I even felt my heart racing at several pivotal points in the story. I was actually sad when I finished this one because I loved the characters so much. I rarely read a book multiple times, but I will come back to this one again and again! Highly recommend!!!

[Leah Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very heartwarming, sweet story! My first ever Christmas romance novel and it didn’t disappoint. Nearly every chapter was dripping with Pleasant Ridge/Cincinnati references. How special! I highly recommend to any cincy native.

[Meggie Schloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas romcom. Bea perseveres through health, family, career and dating struggles, while managing to be quirky and fun throughout. Definitely recommend!

[Katie Corwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg this book is so cute!! Not only is the author is from Cincinnati, but the story takes place in my neighborhood!! It made me want my own Pleasant Ridge romance.

[Holly Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review : Pop, Fizz, Clink by @jennabeallmuellerwrites #indieauthor #ohioauthor #strongfemaleauthor #romcom #multiplesclerosis #bookstagram #bookish #librariansofinstagram #librariansread #ohiobuckeye #cinncinati #booked I want to thank Jenna for sending me this gifted copy of her first novel for women, which happens to be a romcom by very favorite! I fell in love with Bea from the first page! I loved the flow of Jenna’s writing style and felt like Bea was my bff at the end of the story. I loved the banter about MS, dating, her career, family and neighbor crush. I was rooting for her every step of the way. I had a tear in my eye in the last page and I wanted to relive all the characters again. I highly recommending ordering your copy from @bookerycincy you will not be disappointed and you too will fall in love with her story 🫶🏻💕 5 buckeyes for Pop, Fizz, Clink 🌰🌰🌰🌰🌰

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pop, Fizz, Clink is a sweet holiday romance that’s all about finding your passions and following your dreams!

Bea, a newly 30 graphic designer at a marketing firm, has the job, a great apartment, and a super cute dog, but seems to be missing that “something else” that will make her feel her happiest. Is it a promotion? A relationship? A house with a picket fence? What she wasn’t expecting was to have a life-altering medical diagnosis. Bea has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and now she needs to decide how she wants to live her life with this ever progressing and invisible disease. In walks Chris, her new neighbor, and he could be the answer to all her unanswered questions!

I adored this story that was based on the author’s own experiences with MS. The depth of knowledge she shared about this tricky disease that’s different for every patient was thoughtful and didn’t take away from the main premise of the story - finding happiness and fulfillment.

Read this one if you like friends to lovers, found family, he takes care of her when she’s sick, and stories about following your dreams!

Thank you to the author, Jenna Beall Mueller, for providing a finished copy. This review is my own, honest opinion!

[Chandler (chapterswithchan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖Right before Bea Parker's 30th birthday, she finds out that she has multiple sclerosis. This diagnosis makes her feel like she is running out of time. Time for her dreams. Time to find love. Time for everything.

A neighbor moves in, Chris Little, who she starts to befriend. He is quirky and enjoys taking care of the environment. Chris is coming out of a long-term relationship, and isn't quite sure settling down forever is in his future. Her sister sets her up on a date with a lovely man, John, who is perfect on paper..but doesn't quite make those butterflies go crazy.

As Bea starts to discover her new medical diagnosis, she learns more about herself and her relationships.

📝I really enjoyed reading this book, and I especially loved Tony soprano, her blind dachshund. Bea's inner dialogue and personality has me smiling from ear to ear. I loved all of Jenna's references to my past growing up, like Barbie fashion designer CD-ROM and parent trap.

This book makes my heart happy. One of my dear friends was diagnosed with MS last year, and it feels like it gave me more insight to her daily struggles. Thank you Jenna, for sharing your book with the world 🤍

[Sydney Lamier · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pop, Fizz, Clink” is such a cute holiday romance! I love how realistic and raw Bea’s daily life and experiences are, and I’m obsessed with her quirkiness and love for all things homemade and vintage. As a Cincinnatian, I couldn’t get enough of all the local references—I’ve never read a fiction book based in Cincinnati, and I was constantly smiling at each reference. There’s something special about seeing your local favorite places come to life in a fiction novel!

I can’t not mention Chris Little—he just might be the dream crush for any environmentalist! Huge shoutout to the author for incorporating so many environmentally-friendly habits, educational tidbits, and awareness into this novel.

I highly recommend this book to my fellow Cincinnatians, fans of holiday love stories, and anyone who’s passionate about caring for our planet. It’s the perfect feel-good read for the holiday season!

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun read! I feel slightly biased as a Pleasant Ridge resident (many times the book made me smile just because of local PR or Cincy references!) but I still think it was a great read in general. There was a nice mix of romance and personal growth for the main character as well as supporting characters. I reserve 5 stars for books that truly blew me away, so a 4 is still very high praise. My only critique would be that for the first half of the book Bea’s tone bugged me. She came off a bit uppity despite claiming that quality bugged her so much in her sister. By the second half it either mellowed out or I was invested in the story enough not to care so I blew through the rest of it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Moh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered this book through my neighborhood Facebook page, drawn to it because the author is a self-published Cincinnati native and the story is set right in my own little corner of the city. Beyond its charming cast of characters, perfectly paced plot, and just the right balance of romance and humor (without tipping into cheesy territory), I loved spotting references to familiar places around town. It reminded me of all the Christmas charm and cheer surrounding me—so much of which I might otherwise take for granted. Loved it!

[Samantha Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite reading this in March, this was such a great holiday romance (that was so much more than just a romance)! Diving into Bea’s family dynamics & relationships & her journey through her M.S. diagnosis & how she handled/handles it was done so great. I felt for her throughout the entire book & how she was often filled with self-doubt. I was rooting for her to come out on top the entire time.

Also really makes me romanticize apartment living. Great P.R. for Cincinnati.

Bonus points for Chris Little–our environmentalist king.

[Katie | alittlebookfarm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was a charming romcom that delved into genuine issues, illustrating the importance of one's response to adversity. Bea, grappling with MS, was a character I admired, along with the geek-chic neighbor, Chris. Their banter and chemistry kept me hooked from start to finish, as their relationship blossomed and evolved throughout the story. Overall, it was a heartwarming, cute and uplifting read that left me feeling inspired and hopeful. Thank you Jenna for the gifted copy of your book!

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, what a love letter to Cincinnati as well. Jenna has a way with words, creating the vivid scenes while also educating readers about MS. I felt so many emotions reading this novel, sadness for Bea’s diagnosis, understanding of family dynamics and how they can be complicated, happiness for new relationships and evolution of friendships. Wonderful debut ‘chick- lit’ novel and I look forward to reading more from Jenna!

[Megan Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected off day for me thanks to the snow storm, so I finally got a chance to read this novel by local author Jenna Beall Mueller. It’s a romance/family drama that is set in Cincinnati. The main character is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the beginning of the novel and it follows her story as she (and her family) learn what it means to live with her diagnosis. It is SO good! Highly recommend, especially if you live(ed) in Cincinnati or have visited!

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Such a cute love story set in my neighborhood. The pacing felt a little off at times (and yes, I did read the author's note where she sped up the MS diagnosis testing), but in the non-MS timeline it felt a little off too. And there were a some moments where things seemed almost over-explained. But on the whole, it was a fun and lovely romp and also an ode to Pleasant Ridge and Cincinnati.

[Katie Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I am from Cincinnati, I enjoyed all the landmarks and local references in the book. I really enjoyed Bea and her journey with her MS, family relationships, dating, and career. I don’t usually read romcoms but I found myself laughing out loud a few times while reading. I felt like Bea’s story was so relatable and it was like hearing one of my friends tell a story.

[Lisa Leuthold Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sweetest Christmas rom-com.
It takes place in my hometown of Cincinnati and even my neighborhood of that home town. Such a great, heartfelt, and engaging story. And reading about my hometown made it even more fun. I was even a little teary -eyed a time or two...
Cincinnati folks, and even our distant friends and neighbors will love this one!

[Leah Santee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Pop, Fizz, Clink and I could not put it down! What a fantastic read, the characters felt like friends and I was cheering on Bea while reading. I want to visit Cinncinnati based on the descriptions of local places and this was a perfect holiday read by the lights of a Christmas tree.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! 4 or 4.5 stars. The author lives in my neighborhood - so I really enjoyed all the Pleasant Ridge and Cincy references. This book was sweet and I really enjoyed and found interesting the main characters diagnosis with MS and navigating that on top of life as a 30 year old single woman!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story. Bea is so fun and quirky and I absolutely adored her! Even though Bea is dealing with a life-changing diagnosis, I love how Jenna presents it in a way that is hopeful and optimistic. I just loved all the characters in this one. I also love all the Cincinnati references! It was fun to have experienced the setting as some of the characters have! I enjoyed this one! Definitely a good heartwarming read!

[Emily Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and Bea is a great character! As a Pleasant Ridge gal myself who grew up on the westside of Cincinnati, I felt such a connection with the story and to Bea that was really fun and unique 🥰. I have recently relocated out of state, and reading this book felt a bit like going home. And made me want a Gaslight burger and a slice of Goodfellas pizza! 🤗

[Rose Kap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed everything about this book. It was fun, well written and so relatable as someone who also got diagnosed with a chronic illness in my 30s. Plus as a Pleasant Ridge resident married to a west sider, all the references to our favorite Cincinnati spots was so so fun. Definitely recommend!

[Perin Hering · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book so much! All of the Cincinnati references made this book so relatable and charming. I couldn’t put this down! It was so fun following along on Bea’s journey. She is fun, creative, and brave. This feel-good book is a must read!

[Taylor McConney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest, coziest holiday rom com read! I loved all of the references to our amazing neighborhood. Every time I read about a bar, park, or street in Pleasant Ridge, I squealed! Such a charming book.

[Mallory Marn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Jenna Beall Mueller’s first novel! She educated me about MS through the main character’s experiences and I was captivated by the romcom-worthy relationship with the guy next door! Can’t wait to read what she comes up with next!!

[Jennifer Culbreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, feel good read. In life l, bad things happen but you have to keep living and that's exactly what Bea does! Amazing!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great holiday romance. It’s so cute and uplifting. I really enjoyed it!