"Skinnydipping" hits stores May 1 (Amazon.com)

The New York Times best-selling author and Bravo reality TV superstar followed her promise as she spoke freely and held nothing back to her fans that arrived over 40 minutes early to ensure a good spot. 

Frankel welcomed the crowd (without her beloved pooch, Cookie) and discussed her transition from nonfiction to fiction. She said writing her novel, “Skinnydipping,” was a “passionate, amazing process.”

“Skinnydipping” is the story of Faith Brightsone, an aspiring actress that just graduated from college. She moves to Los Angeles in hopes of making it big and accomplishing all her goals. After plenty of ups and downs, however, Faith realizes it may be best to move back to New York with her dog, Muffin. 

“It’s a sexy, fun beach read that you will devour,” Frankel said.

The release of her book comes just one month before the former “Real Housewives of New York City” star begins her six-week summer talk show run on FOX affiliates June 11.

“The queen of too much information is coming to daytime TV,” Frankel joked to the crowd.

Frankel described her upcoming stint in daytime as not a fluffy talk show but a real conversation - a conversation that could include talk about sex, waxing, husbands and much more.

The show, executive produced by friend Ellen DeGeneres, will have stars that Frankel knows personally. In fact, Frankel’s dream guest is Martha Stewart, a woman that fired her on “The Apprentice.”

There’s always something new for Frankel who told fans she finally moved into her dream apartment in New York City, one day before arriving at the Festival of Books. On Saturday, she also got news from FOX that she would be moving to Los Angeles for final preparations of her talk show in a matter of weeks.

“I think one day at a time or I’d be in an institution,” Frankel said.

Her marriage to Jason Hoppy has also seen its daily ups and downs - both on TV and in private. She admitted to a fan that it was “a struggle” the past year but “renovating really brought us together.” Frankel also said her therapy sessions often seen on her show have helped calm her down.

“I don’t think therapy is a magic wand, but it’s nice to talk,” she told an audience member.

When asked if she could start all over, would she be so public about her life? Without hesitation, Frankel answered with a yes. 

“I do this all for my fans,” Frankel said. “I have such a real relationship with you and you’re worth it.”

Reach writer Mike Vulpo here

For complete coverage of the Festival of Books, click here