Christian Historical Fiction Talk

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Have a favorite romance trope? Maybe meet-cute, meet-cringe, love at first sight, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, love triangles, forced proximity, off-limits crush, fake relationship, marriage of convenience, second-chance love, etc? In this episode, I let you know what some of our listeners said were there favorite romance tropes.Here are some historical romances you might like:Lady Maybe by Julie KlassenThis has an amnesia trope, one we didn't even discuss.In the midst of a fierce storm, a carriage carrying Sir John Mayfield, Lady Marianna Mayfield, and her lady's companion careens off a narrow cliff road, changing their fates forever. When the wreckage is found, Sir John is gravely injured, and a woman is discovered unconscious wearing a valuable ring. As the woman regains consciousness in a strange house, she grapples with fragmented memories of the accident, unsettling dreams of a child in peril, and a deep mystery tied to the ring on her finger. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and haunted by a sense of foreboding, the survivor realizes she cannot trust anyone and must uncover the truth of what happened that stormy night, even as danger mounts and enemies conspire against her. In this revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of Julie Klassen's acclaimed novel, a woman's startling secrets lead her into unexpected danger and romance in Regency England.Lady Maybe is a clean Regency romance full of mystery, adventure, and a search for identity. This novel will delight fans of the amnesia trope, Julia Quinn, Jane Austen, and Mimi Matthews.Get your copy of Lady Maybe by Julie KlassenBeyond Ivy Walls by Rachel FordhamReminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler niece.At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.Get your copy of Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham.The Lady's Mine by Francine RiversA delightful new western romance and New York Times bestseller fro

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Barbara Tifft Blakey, a first-timer on the show, joins us this week to chat about her new release, The Angel of Second Street. We discuss the interesting story behind how this book came to be published, what Eureka, California, was like in the 1850s and now, and the difference seeing a place makes when writing about it. With the patrons, she shares the fascinating story of how she got into writing. The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft BlakeyHow Can Compassion be Considered Wrong? When life is weighed down by challenges, pillars of enduring hope and love are always waiting to be discovered. Ida Dempsey has grown up in a privileged life of luxury thanks to her aunt and uncle. Although Second Street—where women of ill repute ply their wares—is off limits to respectable citizens, her heart of compassion compels her to frequent the area, hoping to make a difference in their lives. Ida has also befriended Qui Shau, a Chinese woman who keeps house for her family, but friendships between the whites and Chinese are taboo in Eureka. Ida tries to keep secret her forbidden compassion, but someone is watching and will use it against her. When Blaine Prescott meets Ida at a church picnic, his parents warn him away from any relationship with the young lady who has been seen on Second Street in the company of a Chinese woman. But how could such a kindhearted, lovely young woman be anything but good? But when riots break out in Chinatown and Ida disappears, Blaine will do anything to find out where and why she has gone.Get your copy of The Angel of Second Street.I live on five wooded acres outside of Olympia, Washington with my husband, Terry. I have four grown children and eight grandchildren, seven of whom live within sixty miles, giving great joy to my grandma heart.Like many authors, I dreamed of writing stories very young. At eight-years-old, I rewrote Cinderella. In my version, the prince comes down with measles and the ball is postponed. I didn't begin seriously writing historical fiction until after the advent of grandchildren as the Lord had other plans for me. During our homeschooling years, I developed Total Language Plus (TLP), an award-winning,  literature-inspired language arts program written for homeschoolers and private Christian schools. I am beyond blessed to have thirty years of producing study guides that make a difference in children's lives. Nothing is more meaningful to me than influencing children with Kingdom principles!But as we know, God's timing is always best. I delight in doing the research historical fiction requires and bringing stories of hope and love to my readers. Time ceases to exist as the Creator of the universe and Lover of my soul draws near to me as my fingers fly over the keyboard. When I write I feel His presence in extraordinary, precious ways.When I'm not writing, reading, or playing with my grandchildren, you can find me volunteering in the kitchen of Pleasant Valley Christian Camp near Mt. Rainier. I'm also an avid soccer fan, especially for the Seattle Sounders. During stormy weather, my husband and I head for the ocean in our RV to take in the power of crashing waves against rocks. Calm weather also beckons us to the beach to dig razor clams and fish for Dungeness crabs.Visit Barbara Tifft Blakey's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Jennifer Uhlarik returns to the podcast this week to talk to us about her latest release, Love and Order. She tells us why this book is so unique, how a Florida girl came to write Westerns, and what she means when she says she writes with grit. Patrons hear about one of her business ventures outside of writing. Love and Order  by Jennifer UhlarikWanted: Family, Love, and JusticeSeparated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice.Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie's childhood, she must choose between two men she loves. Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side? In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead. Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion's lives?Get your copy of Love and Order.Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother's bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L'Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has won five writing competitions and finaled in two other competitions. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenaged son, and four fur children.Visit Jennifer Uhlarik's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Dana McNeely is a first time guest on the show, and we're so pleased to have her join us to talk about her book, Mantle. We chat about her road to publication—a super interesting story—how it felt to final in the Christy and Carol awards, and the pitfalls of writing about real biblical characters. Patrons hear about one of her big writerly fiascos.Mantle by Dana McNeelyIn the aftermath of Elijah's fiery ascension, the mantle of prophecy rests heavily on Elisha's shoulders. Called to shepherd Israel through turbulent times, he faces challenges from rulers, prophets, and even the people closest to him.Jaedon, who has shadowed Elisha since boyhood, is torn between loyalty to the prophet and his deepening desire to right a grievous wrong. As the young vintner struggles to understand why Yahweh allowed his family's murders, he considers a step toward revenge that will jeopardize his relationship with the man he regards as an elder brother.Gehazi, whose faith sometimes flickers, is tempted by the promise of wealth and power. His actions threaten to tear him away from the very blessings he sought to protect.Meanwhile, Ziva, an innocent girl in the sleepy settlement of Gischala, is swept into a world filled with uncertainty and danger. With unimaginable loss behind her, she struggles to look beyond her grief to find God's will. It is then she realizes only one path remains.Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle?Get your copy of Mantle by Dana McNeely.Dana McNeely dreamed of living in a world teeming with adventure, danger, and romance, but she had a problem—she also needed a lot of peace and quiet. She learned to visit that dream world by stepping into a book. Better yet, hundreds of books. Soon, she began writing her own stories, fact and fiction.Inspired by the Bible stories of Elijah, Dana wondered why the prophet came to stay with the widow of Zarephath and her son. Who were they? What was their life, before? How did the boy change after he died, saw the other world—and came back?Those questions led to Dana writing RAIN, in which she built her dream world of adventure, danger, and romance. Peace and quiet, however, have remained elusive. No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies. Her debut novel RAIN spins the tale of a mysterious prophet, a desperate youth, and a relentless queen. In 2021 RAIN became a finalist in The Christy Award® and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award.WHIRLWIND, the second novel in the “Whispers on the Wind” series, tells the story of a king's downfall and a love that transcends war.Visit Dana McNeely's website.The Cross pt. 2Welcome to Ask Me Anything, the podcast where we give you biblical answers to...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron join us to chat about their new book, Land of Dreams. One of the pioneers in the Christian fiction industry, Lauraine now teams with Kiersti to continue to bring books that entertain and that strengthen our faith. We chatted about what working together is like, how a volcano kicked off Lauraine's writing career, and how important trusting God is. Patrons will hear what is the biggest difference in the writing styles of the two of them. Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti GironOn the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge. As Amalia and Ruth fight for their new home, a trail of orphans shows up on their doorstep, and Amalia makes a promising friend in Absalom Karlsson, the magistrate's son. With each challenge they face, Amalia and Ruth find hope in believing that faith and determination can overcome even the most daunting of trials.Get Land of Dreams by Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron.Award-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. All total, she has over eighty books published with more than 4.5 million copies in print.As a sought-after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers often clamor for more books, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and fragrant flowers didn't call quite so loudly.Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).Visit Lauraine's website.Kiersti Giron holds a life-long passion for history and storytelling and currently collaborates on series of historical fiction with Lauraine Snelling, as well as writing her own historical novels. She loves to write stories that show the intersection of past and present, explore relationships that bridge cultural divides, and probe the healing Jesus can bring out of brokenness. Her novel manuscripts set in the American West have been contest finalists and winners, including two ACFW Genesis Awards, and her debut solo novel, Beneath a Turquoise Sky, releases April 2025.Much of Kiersti's interest in Native American cultures and history comes from the relationships built with Native friends after living five years on the edge of the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. She has a heart for racial healing, justice, anThe Cross pt. 2Welcome to Ask Me Anything, the podcast where we give you biblical answers to...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Tracie Peterson returns to the show this week to talk about her new book, A Constant Love. We discuss what the dying up winter was, how and why she tackles tough subjects, and how she got her start in publishing. Patrons hear about where and what time period she would travel to if she were a time traveler. A Constant Love  by Tracie PetersonHeartache has left them emotionally desolate, but traces of love and healing could forge a future.In the wake of a harsh winter, Micah Hamilton and Charlotte Aldrich are grappling with loss and guilt after the disaster that took the lives of their loved ones. Struggling to cope with his grief, Micah abandons his father's dreams of a prosperous ranch and cuts himself off from the rest of the world. Charlotte has loved Micah her entire life and is determined not to lose him as well. With her mother's help, she begins coaxing Micah to live again. Despite their enduring heartache, the affection between them deepens, but just as Charlotte thinks her dreams may come true, a scorned suitor threatens everything she holds dear. Micah and Charlotte must embark on a journey of healing and renewal to build a life founded on faith, hope, and love.A Constant Love is a clean, frontier-era historical romance of heartache, grief, Christian faith, and second chances in the newly developing American West.Get your copy of A Constant Love by Tracie Peterson.Tracie Peterson gave her life to Jesus at the age of six. Tracie knew at an early age that God was calling her to ministry, and writing for Him has allowed her to offer the Gospel message and encourage people to hope in the Lord. Her motto in writing, as well as all other aspects of life is Soli Deo Gloria—For God Alone the Glory.Often called the “Queen of Historical Christian Fiction,” Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today best-selling author of more than 110 books, most of those historical. Her work in historical fiction earned her the Best Western Romance Author of 2013 award from True West magazine and the USA Best Books 2011 Award for best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love. She was given the Life Time Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers in 2011 and the Career Achievement Award in 2007 from Romantic Times, as well as multiple best book awards.Tracie received her first book contract in November 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. Eventually, Tracie also managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line—overseeing the production of 52 books a year.In December 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Tracie's daughter Jennifer.Tracie, a Kansas native, now makes her home with her husband, Jim, in the mountains of Montana.Visit Tracie Peterson's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Lauralee Bliss returns to the podcast this week to discuss her latest release, When the Avalanche Roared. We talk about the history behind this fascinating slice of history, why it contains the theme of bullying, and what hikes she has planned for the future. Patrons get to hear about her garden and her plans for it this year.When the Avalanche Roared  by Lauralee BlissThe Day Hope Seemed Swept Away Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered. Lillian Hartwick has been in the small railroad town of Wellington, Washington, caring for her cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs for the railway while enduring taunts from other workers, has tried his best to gain Lillian's interest, but she is engaged and waiting her fiancé's arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devastating avalanche, sweeping two trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin's tormentors. In the midst of the catastrophe their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian's fiancé finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?Get your copy of When the Avalanche Roared.The rest of the Day to Remember series:Book One: When the Waters Came by Candice Sue PattersonBook Two: When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda DragomirBook Three: When Hope Sank by Denise WeimerBook Four: When the Mountain Crumbled by Angela K. CouchBook Six: When the Sky Burned by Liz TolsmaMeet Lauralee:Lauralee Bliss is a published author of over thirty romance novels and novellas, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee's prayer is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that speaks to the heart and soul. When she is not writing, Lauralee is an avid adventurer in the great outdoors where she has logged over 10,000 miles of hiking and enjoys speaking and writing about her hiking adventures at Blissful Hiking Adventures.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.This week we chat about book clubs. What's a silent book club? What are some good online book clubs and how do they work? Are there disadvantages to them? What are some fun things people have done at their book clubs? Tune in to find out, then head over to my website or find us on social media and let us know what you think.Christian Historical Fiction Talk is on:FacebookInstagramXCheck out these Facebook Book Clubs:Christian WWII Readers Book ClubBiblical Fiction Aficionados BBH Fiction Book Club

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Sarah Sundin joins us this week to chat about her new book, Midnight on the Scottish Shore. We talk about how different the hero and heroine are and how much time she spends developing the characters before she writes, about the different faith journeys in different books, and her trip to Scotland. Patrons get to hear me try to stump Sarah. Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah SundinIn a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water--and in the depths of the human heartAs the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable--train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland--messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?Get your copy of Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin.Meet Sarah:My novels explore the drama, daring, and romance of the World War II era. My latest novel Midnight on the Scottish Shore received a starred review from Library Journal and is a bestseller. The bestselling Embers in the London Sky received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal. The bestselling The Sound of Light was a finalist for both the Christy Award and the Carol Award, Until Leaves Fall in Paris received the 2022 Christy Award, When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were Christy Award finalists, and The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award.When I'm not writing…my husband and I enjoy traveling and taking our two rescue dogs for lengthy walks. I teach Sunday school and women's Bible studies, and I speak to community, church, and writers' groups. I also serve as c0-director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference. Visit my speaking page for more information.Visit Sarah Sundin's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Jennifer Deibel transports us to Ireland this week as she comes for a chat about her new book, Heart of the Glen. In addition to talking about her favorite cuppa, we discuss the spiritual thread in her book and what life is like as a leftie. Patrons hear if she'll ever set a book in Vienna. Heart of the Glen by Jennifer DeibelCan the lonely thread of her life be woven into a new and finer pattern?When Saoirse Fagan arrives at Drumboe Castle to start her new job as housemaid, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road through the darkening glen with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and a place to stay for the night. Aileen's brother, sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready, is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he's injured, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new--and distracting--mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her. But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. She's determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her--perhaps as much as she needs them."Jennifer Deibel is an amazing writer and storyteller. She weaves a tale of love and forgiveness that's as beautiful as the cloth she describes."--Tracie Peterson, bestselling, award winning author of over 140 books, including The Heart of Cheyenne and the Pictures of the Heart seriesGet your copy of Heart of the Glen.More about Jennifer Deibel:I'm Jennifer, but most people call me Jen. Just please don't call me Jenny. As a wife, mom, full-time public-school teacher, and author, I'm right in the trenches alongside you as I work, serve the Lord, and love my family. I've just been blessed to get to do some of it in the west of Ireland and Vienna, Austria. However, after a decade of life overseas, we have settled back in America–in sunny Arizona!I currently teach middle school English, and when I'm not working on school things, I'm spending time with my incredible family–my husband Seth and our 3 awesome kids–and writing.There's just something so intimate and uplifting about a good story, isn't there? I write stories that explore home through the lens of faith, family, and culture–with the beauty and depth of Ireland coloring much of it. And all of my books aim to bring you all the charm of an Irish village, the beauty of the Emerald Isle, and the hope and encouragement of faith.Not only do I write books, but I'm also honored to have been a monthly contributor at The Better Mom and have posts shared at (in)courage, Djibouti Jones, Tricia Goyer, Unveiled Wife, Intentional by Grace, and more.Visit Jennifer's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Donna Wichelman, a first-time guest, joins us this week to talk about her new book, A Song of Deliverance. In addition to talking about the book, we discuss how her writing journey began, the importance of imagination, and her love for kayaking. If you're a patron, you'll get to hear about how she would spend a rainy day. A Song of Deliverance by Donna WichelmanBorn into the Irish system of landholding that favors the moneyed class, Anna Sullivan has no dowry and no chance of marrying the man she loves. Poor and heartbroken, she flees Ireland to tend to Uncle Liam's house in Colorado and take on her deceased aunt's sewing business.But when Anna arrives in Georgetown, she discovers a mine disaster at the Singing Silver Mine has killed her uncle. Orphaned and destitute again, she gathers her faith, courage, and ingenuity to establish a life in the community. Only one person stands in her way—the mine's owner.A wealthy, grief-stricken widower of European nobility, Stefan Maier threw his energies into making his mark as a silver mining baron in Colorado when his wife and child died at sea, emigrating to America. Now, everyone blames him for the mine disaster that killed nine men. But how does he convince the lovely and opinionated Irish woman of his innocence?Will Anna's heart soften towards Stefan? Will Stefan prove himself worthy of Anna's affections? Each will have to risk everything to attain what they want and need most—love.Get your copy of A Song of Deliverance.Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna's love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending the United World College of the Atlantic—an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys developing plots that show how God's love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, forgiveness, and belonging in a world that often withholds second chances.Donna received her master's degree in mass communication/journalism from San Jose State University and became a communications professional before writing full-time. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published Christian romantic suspense novels in her Waldensian Series—Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, and her Gilded Age historical romance, A Song of Deliverance, released on December 3, 2024.Donna and her husband of forty years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.Visit Donna Wichelman's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Jill Eileen Smith returns to the show this week to talk about her new book, Dawn of Grace. Among other things, we talk about her move from women of the Old Testament to women of the New Testament, what it means for God to call us by name, and what kind of games she likes to play on her phone. Patrons hear about who took the beautiful pictures of her trips on her website. Dawn of Grace by Jill Eileen SmithShe's been pulled up from the depths of despair--but what happens when the hope she has found slips from her grasp?From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow--until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.Now Mary's one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she'll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear--and Jesus makes all things new.Get your copy of Dawn of Grace.JILL EILEEN SMITH IS THE BESTSELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF MANY BIBLICAL NOVELS, INCLUDING HER FIRST SERIES THE WIVES OF KING DAVID.Her upcoming release Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene's Story, will hit the shelves in February 2025.After twenty years of closed doors, she has published 24 books, fiction and nonfiction, and had one of those books optioned for film. She loves Jesus and His Word and all things related to learning more about the culture and times of the people of the Bible, particularly the women, whom God has immortalized there.While she loves writing and researching, she is willingly interrupted by her west-coast children and adorable grandchildren. Traveling to Israel was a highlight of her life, but traveling west is her new favorite vacation location. When she's not packing her bags, she can be found reading stories that take her away, playing too many games and puzzles on her phone (call it down time), or snuggling her lovable, mischievous cats Kody and Kaelee.Her favorite verse is Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” She has been married to the love of her life for 47 years and counting and lives in a quiet neighborhood in southeast Michigan.Visit Jill's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Elizabeth Camden makes a return appearance on the show this week, talking about When Stars Light the Sky. We chat about life in Berlin during WWI, the difference between academic and fiction publishing, and what she thinks about some of her reviews. Patrons will hear about her favorite Hitchcock movie.When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth CamdenIn a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.Praise for Elizabeth Camden"This intriguing and unique story took so many twists and turns, I couldn't look away--a must read!"--GABRIELLE MEYER, bestselling author on While the City Sleeps"What a fascinating, multifaceted adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed traipsing all over New York City, from posh hotels to subway tunnels to the harbor and all points between."--JOCELYN GREEN, Christy Award-winning author on While the City SleepsFor fans of the enemies-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, and workplace romance tropes, When Stars Light the Sky is a clean Gilded Age romance that will sweep you off your feet.Get your copy of When Stars Light the Sky.Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.Visit Elizabeth's website.Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.KyLee Woodley joins us this week. I've had to change things around a little due to scheduling conflicts, but you're going to enjoy this conversation about her book, The Bandit's Redemption. We talk about what got her into writing, what a lab school is, and how her early life influenced her writing. Patrons will hear what she sees as differences between the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up, and Texas, where she lives now.The Bandit's Redemption by KyLee WoodleyA holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she's sworn to guard.Life in the American West hasn't been easy for French refugee Lorraine Durand. She has precious few connections and longs to return to her native land. So when the man who rescued her from a Parisian uprising following the Franco-Prussian War persuades her to help him with a deadly holdup, she reluctantly agrees. Despite his promises otherwise, the gang kidnaps a man, forcing Lorraine to grapple with the fallout of her choices even as she is drawn to the captive she's meant to guard.Jesse Alexander must survive. If not for himself, then for the troubled sister he left behind in Los Angeles. At the mercy of his captors, he carefully works to earn Lorraine's trust, hoping he can easily subdue her when the time comes. But as they navigate the treacherous wilderness and he searches for his opportunity to escape, he realizes there may be more to her than he first believed.With danger lurking at every turn, they must decide whether to trust each other enough to plan a combined escape or risk falling prey to the gang's devious schemes.Get your copy of The Bandit's Redemption by KyLee WoodleyKyLee Woodley teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas where she lives with her husband of 18 years and their three teenage children. Having been raised in the Pacific Northwest and spent part of her adult life in Texas, she has a deep respect for American values. She grew up in an impoverished area and began ministering to homeless, drug addicted, and desperate people while in her teens. As a result, she feels a deep sense of concern for society's unloved. This comes through in her stories, enriched with historical detail that shows how loving the unlovely is a timeless need. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show—a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky Dog—a feisty feline named Hazel, and two adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books to her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband who might resemble Superman.Visit KyLee's website.Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.AI and fiction. What do they have to do with each other? Maybe more than you think. In this week's episode, I discuss how I, as an author and editor, use AI, what are some benefits and drawbacks of it for authors, and how readers may use it and what they should be aware of. AI is here to stay, whether we like it or not, and it's wise to be knowledgeable about it and to know what to look for and what to avoid. AI and fiction can and will co-exist.These are the two articles I reference in the episode. They are well worth a read.She Reads: https://shereads.com/how-will-ai-impact-reading/Writer's Digest: https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/think-ai-is-bad-for-authors-the-worst-is-yet-to-comeFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Heather Kaufman joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her newest release, Before the King. We chat about what got her interested in writing novels instead of nonfiction, how she manages to write fiction in which Jesus makes an appearance, and what is the best part of living in St. Louis. Patrons will hear what she would love to do if she wasn't writing - and if she had the talent for it! Before the King by Heather Kaufman"Heather Kaufman is a truly fresh voice in biblical fiction."--TESSA AFSHAR, bestselling author "A beautifully told and imagined story of secrets, faith, love, and devotion. With a compelling plot and cast of characters, Before the King is a tale not to be missed."--TOSCA LEE, New York Times bestselling author Joanna's wealthy family aspires to Herod's inner circle, but when her father's esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.Get your copy of Before the King by Heather Kaufman.Heather Kaufman is the author of Up from Dust: Martha's Story and Before the King: Joanna's Story, the first two books in her Women of the Way series with Bethany House Publishers. A former editor turned writer, Heather worked eight years in the publishing industry while earning her master's degree and spinning tales late into the night. When she fell in love with studying the Bible through a cultural lens, the words of Scripture came springing to life, and Jesus became even more astoundingly beautiful. Now she crafts stories that imaginatively enter the lives of biblical characters and compel readers deeper into the Bible. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.Visit Heather's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Laura DeNooyer is our guest on the show this week, her first time with us. We discuss her new book, A Hundred Magical Reasons, including why she has long been fascinated with L. Frank Baum, what her research was like for the book, and the importance of teachers in encouraging their students' dreams. Related to that, patrons will hear a little more about her teaching career. A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyerMost fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon, the disgruntled town recluse, is eighty-eight and has grown weary of fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband's name of a 1918 crime.Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.During 1980, the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum's influence impacts each woman's personal quests on a hero's journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?Get your copy of A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer.Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and an award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels are perfect for fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Erin Bartels, or Heidi Chiavaroli. When she's not writing, you'll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip. "Ask Me Anything": What Do You Want From God?Welcome to Ask Me Anything, the podcast where we give you biblical answers to...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Naomi Stephens is a first-time guest on the podcast, but this isn't her first book. She stops by to chat about her latest release, The Burning of Rosemont Abbey. We talked about why she chose to set it in 1956, what she loves about the fashion of the time, and how she was able to write a mystery that has a lightness to it. Patrons will learn what her favorite place to live has been.The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi StephensEveryone in Wilbeth Green has something to hide, but she's about to uncover their secrets.1956: In a quiet English village, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey have set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of the crime of arson. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his plucky twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames.Armed with nothing but her wit and her keen sense of intuition, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the dubious townspeople and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core."A thrilling and beautifully written tale from start to finish, filled with a strong sense of time, deft characterization, and more than enough twists to keep one guessing. Readers will be as hard-pressed as I was to put this one down once they begin."--ANNA LEE HUBER, USA Today bestselling author"What an absolute delight of a novel! Naomi Stephens has a new fan in me!"--SARAH SUNDIN, Christy Award-winning author"An English murder mystery set in the 1950s, plus a friends (and sometimes enemies)-to-more romance? Naomi Stephens is an author to watch!"--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling authorGet a copy of The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens.Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. ​Her first novel, Shadow among Sheaves, was an Inspy Award shortlist contender and winner of the 2020 Carol Award in Debut Fiction. In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight!​ ​Though she's called many places home over the years, she currently lives in New York with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.Visit Naomi's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Liz Tolsma (that's me!) is the guest this week. My niece Becca makes her annual stop on the podcast to interview me about my latest release, What I Left for You. We discuss who the Lemko people in Poland were, why they are important to both of us, and where hope shines through in the dark circumstances of this story. Patrons get to hear about my sweet little dog.What I Left for You by Liz TolsmaA Family's Ties Were Broken in Poland of 1939   1939 Helena Kostyszak is an oddity—an educated female ethnic minority lecturing at a university in Krakow at the outbreak of WWII. When the Germans close the university and force Jews into the ghetto, she spirits out a friend's infant daughter and flees to her small village in the southern hills. Helena does everything in her power to protect her family, but it may not be enough. It will take all of her strength and God's intervention for both of them to survive the war and the ethnic cleansing to come.   2023 Recently unengaged social worker McKenna Muir is dealt an awful blow when a two-year-old she's been working with is murdered. It's all too much to take, so her friend suggests she dive into her family's past like she's always wanted. Putting distance between herself and her problems might help her heal, so she and her friend head on Sabbatical to Poland. But what McKenna discovers about her family shocks everyone, including one long-lost family member.Get your copy of What I Left for YouPassionate might best describe Liz Tolsma. She loves writing and researching historical fiction, and editing for other authors. Her passion shines through in her writing, many of her novels being award finalists or award winners. On any given day, you might find her pulling weeds in her perennial garden, walking her hyperactive dog, or curled up with a good book. Nothing means more to her than her family. She's married to her high-school sweetheart, and they live in the Wisconsin countryside. They are now blessed with three grown children, including a son, daughter, and daughter-in-law who are all US Marines and a daughter with special needs who brightens their days.Visit Liz Tolsma's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.My favorite 2024 reads. There were so many wonderful Christian historical novels that released last year, everything from the perennial favorite Regency, Western, and WWII novels to dual time fiction and ground-breaking time crossing fiction. So what were my favorite 2024 reads? Why did I enjoy these books so much? Do you agree with me or not? Here, in no particular order, are my favorite reads of 2024. You'll have to listen to the episode to find out which one topped the charts for me.Never Forgotten by Hannah LinderThe British Booksellers by Kristy CambronThe Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna PolitanoEmbers in the London Sky by Sarah SundinFor a Lifetime by Gabrielle MeyerThe Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer DeibelLet me know what you think about my favorite 2024 reads!The Bible is Alive! - Read the Bible in a Year - NIVWelcome to the "The Bible is Alive!" where we read through the entire Bible and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.The future of WWII fiction? Is it still popular or is it on its way out? This week, I trace the rise of the genre, why it's popular, who is writing it, and what does it look like in the coming years. Join me as I talk about one of my favorite subjects! Some of the authors we discussed in the episode:Melanie Dobson     Memories of Glass     The Winter RoseCathy Gohkle     The Medallion     Saving AmelieLynn Austin    Chasing Shadows     If I Were You     A Woman's Place   This is the one I forgot the name of during the show. Sarah Sundin     The Sound of Light     Embers in the London Sky     Midnight on the Scottish ShoreKristy Cambron     The Butterfly and the Violin     A Sparrow at Terezin     The British Booksellers     The French KitchenBrock and Bodie Thorne     The Zion Covenant      The Zion ChroniclesJohnnie Alexander     When Memory Whispers     The Cryptographers Dilemma     Where Treasure HidesAmanda Barratt     My Dearest Dietrich     The White Rose Resists     Within These Walls of Sorrow     The Warsaw SistersLiz Tolsma   What I Would Tell You     What I Promise You     What I Left for You    

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Mesu Andrews returns to the show this week to chat about her new book, Brave. We talk about her amazing story of how she came to know the Lord, why she chose to write about King David's wives, and what it's like to write real biblical characters in her books. Patrons will find out what Happy Thanksmas is. Brave by Mesu Andrews"The Old Testament stories of David come to vibrant life in Brave. . . . Wonderful!"--Angela Hunt, Christy Award-winning author of The EmissariesIn the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?Get your copy of Brave by Mesu Andrews.MESU ANDREWS is a Christy Award-winning, best-selling author of biblical novels and devotional studies whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a “spiritual mutt” has given her a deep yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsie emails, blog posts, and the social media we all love to hate. For more information, visit MesuAndrews.com.Get 15% off Chrstian apparel and other items just by using this link: https://www.buyblackett.com/LIZ36168Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Denise Weimer returns to the show this week to talk about two books—When Hope Sank and A Calculated Betrothal. She shares the fascinating history behind both books, how she redeems her characters, and why she loves dressing up in period fashion. Patrons will get to hear what her next great adventure is going to be.When Hope Sank by Denise WeimerThe Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle's inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers. Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River. Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily's defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might've prevented the tragedy if only she'd reported a suspected saboteur's claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?Get your copy of When Hope Sank.A Calculated Betrothal by Denise WeimerThe death of her titled husband means that not only is Tabitha Gage no longer a lady—but she's also abandoned on an isolated Southern Georgia plantation on the eve of revolution. With the fine house and fields sold to a neighbor, she's left with a log cabin on unsettled timber land. Rather than marry the neighbor's son, Tabitha determines to make her own way—and never again be shackled to a man she doesn't love. Sergeant Edmond Lassiter is one assignment away from promotion when he comes to the aid of a red-haired beauty fending off cattle rustlers. Thrown together during an attack at a nearby fort, the Patriot scout and Loyalist widow are surprised by the values they share—including honesty, loyalty, and equality. When Edmond learns the same man who ruined his family is after what little Tabitha has left, he convinces her they should work together to make her land profitable—all while fighting off the British from East Florida and her greedy neighbor, who sabotages their every effort to succeed. Their work together will be a business arrangement…nothing more. But as a British invasion threatens, the truth soon becomes clear—continuing the connection between them will risk far more than their hearts.Get A Calculated Betrothal by Denise Weimer.More about Denise:I write historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense mostly set in my home state of Georgia. I've authored around fifteen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas.  A freelance fiction editor and a mother of two wonderful young adult daughters, I always pause for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.Visit Denise Weimer's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Jaime Jo Wright comes to visit with us again, and we had a great chat about her latest book, Specters in the Glass House. We talked about the economic impact of Prohibition, especially in Wisconsin, if she ever thinks her body count gets too high, and about why she handled mental illness the way she did in the book. Patrons hear about if she's passed on her love of hunting to her kids. Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo WrightAn ominous butterfly house. A sinister legacy. An untraceable killer. In 1921, Marian Arnold, the heiress to a brewing baron's empire, seeks solace in the glass butterfly house on her family's Wisconsin estate as Prohibition and the deaths of her parents cast a long shadow over her shrinking world. When Marian's sanctuary is invaded by nightmarish visions, she grapples with the line between hallucinations of things to come and malevolent forces at play in the present. With dead butterflies as the killer's ominous signature, murders unfold at a steady pace. Marian, fearful she might be next, enlists the help of her childhood friend Felix, a war veteran with his own haunted past.In the present day, researcher Remy Shaw becomes entangled in an elderly biographer's quest to uncover the truth behind Marian Arnold's mysterious life and the unsolved murders linked to an infamous serial killer. Joined by Marian's great-great-grandson, can Remy expose the evil that lurks beneath broken wings? Or will the dark legacy surrounding the manor and its glass house destroy yet another generation?"Wright is in a class by herself."--Library JournalGet Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright.Jaime Jo, the coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire, has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin's rural woodlands.Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes - providing an exhilarating amount chaos."If I were to summarize my life in three words, my instinct is to say: "I love coffee", and leave it at that. But, I realize that is rather shallow and a tad obsessive. So, summarizing who Jaime Jo Wright is can be a challenge.I love life. I always have. God has blessed me, even in severe trials, such as the loss of three of my babies. He has never failed, never given up, never gone easy on me, and always disciplined me with a loving hand. (and trust me, when you have my personality which pushes boundaries and considers rules to be negotiable, you need discipline).​I married my husband in 2000. He wasn't exactly Prince Charming when I met him, so I aptly nicknamed him Cap'n Hook after he pirated off with my heart and has yet to give it back. Our ship was joined by a little Tinkerbell in 2009. Our CoCo has tamed the pirate exponentially better than I ever could. Peter Pan came along in 2012 and whisked me away to Neverland where we refuse to grow up and make mischief on a daily basis.Visit Jaime's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Hannah Linder returns to the podcast this week to chat about her latest release, Never Forgotten. We talk about how she came to write Regency romantic suspense, if she designed the cover for this book, and her new favorite hobby, square dancing. Patrons will hear if she reads reviews of her books and why or why not. Never Forgotten by Hannah LinderAll He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife's horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father's unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?Get your copy of Never Forgotten  by Hannah Linder.HANNAH LINDER resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti with Books & Such Literary Management, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2024 Carol Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. Her greatest desire is to please her Savior and to write in a way that glorifies and uplifts Him. Follow her journey on Instagram, Facebook, or the newsletter.Visit Hannah Linder's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Karen Witemeyer returns to the show this week after a long absence, and we're thrilled to have her join us to talk about her new book, Cloaked in Beauty. Based on "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood," this is book three in a series. She tells us all about the series, why she chose the fairy tales she did, the old-time photo she and her husband took, and her son's wedding. Patrons will hear why she loves Texas so much.  Cloaked in Beauty by Karen WitemeyerTrust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart. Get your copy of Cloaked in Beauty.More about Karen Witemeyer:After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.A life-long bookworm, Karen is living her dream by writing novels. Her books have consistently hit bestseller lists and have garnered numerous awards. When not writing, she loves to pester her adult children, play board games, and cross-stitch intricate patterns reminiscent of the historical eras present in her stories.Karen's favorite aspect of her writing life is hearing from readers. Nothing encourages her heart more. She'd love to hear from you. You can contact her here.Visit Karen's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Michelle Shocklee makes a return appearance on the show this week, talking about her new release, All We Thought We Knew. We chat about the interesting intertwining of the WWII and Vietnam War eras, how it feels to be a Christy Award finalist, and why she'll never read a book in ebook format. Patrons will hear about all the special items she has sitting on her desk. All We Thought We Knew by Michelle ShockleeShe was so sure she knew her family's story . . . Now she wonders if she was wrong about all of it.1969. When Mattie Taylor's twin brother was killed in Vietnam, she lost her best friend and the only person who really understood her. Now, news that her mother is dying sends Mattie back home, despite blaming her father for Mark's death. Mama's last wish is that Mattie would read some old letters stored in a trunk, from people Mattie doesn't even know. Mama insists they hold the answers Mattie is looking for.1942. Ava Delaney is picking up the pieces of her life following her husband's death at Pearl Harbor. Living with her mother-in-law on a secluded farm in Tennessee is far different than the life Ava imagined when she married only a few short months ago. Desperate to get out of the house, Ava seeks work at a nearby military base, where she soon discovers the American government is housing Germans who they have classified as enemy aliens. As Ava works to process legal documents for the military, she crosses paths with Gunther Schneider, a German who is helping care for wounded soldiers. Ava questions why a man as gentle and kind as Gunther should be forced to live in the internment camp, and as they become friends, her sense of the injustice grows . . . as do her feelings for him. Faced with the possibility of losing Gunther, Ava must choose whether loving someone deemed the enemy is a risk worth taking, even if it means being ostracized by all those around her.In the midst of pain and loss two women must come face-to-face with their own assumptions about what they thought they knew about themselves and others. What they discover will lead to a far greater appreciation of their own legacies and the love of those dearest to them.Get your copy of All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee.More about Michelle:I have always loved the written word. As far back as I can remember I've enjoyed books.My mother, an elementary school teacher, read to my four older siblings and me a lot while we grew up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After I learned to read on my own, books were part of my daily life. When I walk into a bookstore, I take a deep breath, inhaling that wonderful, unique aroma. Ahhh.(Sorry techies, but ya just can't do that with a Kindle!)So it wasn't a big surprise when I discovered how much I enjoyed writing my own stories. I filled pages of notebooks and eventually computer screens with tales of love, heartbreak, drama and humor. Although I write various genres,historical settings are my favorite.  When I'm not writing, editing, or dreaming up new stories, my husband and I work as Estate Caretakers! We also enjoy spending time at the beach with our two grown sons and their beautiful wives. Visit Michelle's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Wow! Somehow, Christian Historical Fiction Talk has made to it to 200 episodes. That's unbelievable to me. Thank you all for your support of the show over this past 4+ years. I appreciate it more than you can ever know. On this episode, we do a little celebrating. I pull back the curtain and give some insight into how an episode comes to be, I share a little bit of trivia about the show, and think aloud about what I'd like to see happen to the show in the future and what I've learned along the way. If you'd like to check out some of my books, take a look at these:What I Would Tell YouWhat I Promise YouWhat I Left for YouWhen the Sky BurnedBooks by some of the show's most popular authors:Embers in the London Sky by Sarah SundinFor a Lifetime by Gabrielle MeyerThe Rose and the Thistle  by Laura FrantzBy Evening's Light by Leslie GouldCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Tessa Afshar joins us on the show this week to talk about her upcoming book, The Queen's Cook. We chat about her research for the novel, her love of cooking and what she's growing in her garden, and many other fun topics. Patrons will hear what her first impressions of America were when she came to the country. The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar"A tender and touching tale. Tessa Afshar has given us two wonderfully charming heroines."--ANGELA HUNT, New York Times bestselling author of The Emissaries seriesIn the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.Get your copy of The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar.Tessa Afshar's historical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into 12 languages.Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of the ECPA's Bronze Milestone Sales Award. Tessa's books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book of the Year (Bible Study category) Awards, and are Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Award finalists. Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently.Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was elected as the co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School for one year. She served in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer.Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Visit Tessa's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Carrie Turansky is our very special guest this week, here to talk about her book, A Token of Love. We discuss how she crafted this dual time novel, what she loves most about London, and what's her favorite thing to bake. Patrons will hear about whether she likes the East Coast or the West Coast better.A Token of Love  by Carrie TuranskySeparated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.Get your copy of A Toke of Love  by Carrie Turansky.Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren. When she's not writing, you'll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women's ministry at her church. Carrie loves to connect with reading friends on social media and through her website: http://carrieturansky.comCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Donna Mumma, a first-time guest joins us on the show this week to talk about her new book, The Women of Wynton's. She tells us about the four women who are the novel's main characters, about why she set it in the 1950s, and her love for alligators. Oh, my! Patrons get to hear about her dogs and why she thinks each one is special. The Women of Wynton's by Donna MummaMid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950's department store where four women's loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test. Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity. Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice. Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton's. She is proud of her accomplishments and won't let anyone take them away. Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store's lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position. These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton's from within?Get The Women of Wynton's by Donna Mumma.Meet Donna MummaI am a native Floridian, farm kid and dreamer. I was blessed with two wonderful parents who taught me how stories enable us to learn, escape, connect and be inspired.My writing inspiration also comes from the folks I knew in my growing up years. I came from a small town in Central Florida filled with some of the greatest storytellers. Tales of hunting trips gone awry, flipped airboats, eccentric relatives and beloved dogs seasoned my childhood.From the stories of my parents and neighbors, I learned two important lessons. First, life comes with sunshine and hurricanes. Second, with God's help, we can flourish in both.My parents had a saying. It's not important that you get knocked down but that you get back up. I write stories about people who fall, stand and press forward with God's help.I invite you to come with me on this writing journey. My hope is somewhere along the way we can discover all the Good Lord intended when He set us on this path.Visit Donna's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Michelle Griep stops by this week to talk about her new book, Of Gold and Shadows. We discuss how a Christian author deals with supposed curses, her English Garden, and she tells the story of Iron Bridge in England. Patrons hear what makes her a hippie homesteader.Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle GriepThe shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces, and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . ."Don't miss all the romance, adventure, and danger in [this] new page-turner."--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author of Shadows of Swanford AbbeyGet your copy of Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep.Michelle Griep is an author, blogger, and occasional super-hero when her cape is clean.Dare I be so bold as to call myself an author? Being that I'm one of those freaks who attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp during my formative years, yes, I will. While other teens busied themselves throwing parties when their parents weren't home, I was the nerd holed up in my room with pen and paper.A RELATIVEI'm a wife of thirty-something years and mother of two sons and two daughters. And yes, it's true…boys are way easier than girls, unless drama is something you crave. The last of my nestlings has flown the homeschooling nest and I'm now a crazy hippy homesteader.A PRINCESSNo, I'm not currently on medication for delusions of grandeur. I am a daughter of a King. Seriously. I take the Bible as inspired truth and that's what it says (Romans 8:16, 17).AN ANGLOPHILEWhat's the deal with me and Great Britain? Beats me. I'm as passionate about anything English as I am about chocolate and java. Oddly enough, I prefer Bronte over Austen, and if you'd like to debate the qualities of Typhoo versus PG Tips, feel free to e-mail me.A CHEFSorry, I did not graduate from the Cordon Bleu. I didn't even cough up the cash to attend. I am, however, a veteran of once-a-month cooking, and you can be, too. Also, if you'd like to email me, I'll send you my favorite brownie recipe. Just go to my contact page and gimme a holler.Visit Michelle's website.Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Amanda Dykes joins us as a first-time guest on the podcast, talking about her book, Born of Gilded Mountains. We chat about the power of language, how friendships change over time, and why she puts Easter eggs in her books. Patrons hear about what she does to encourage her children to read. Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda DykesLegends are tucked into every fold of the Colorado mountains surrounding the quaint town of Mercy Peak, where residents are the stuff of tall tales, the peaks are taller still, and a lost treasure has etched mystery into the very terrain.In 1948, when outsider Mercy Windsor arrives after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood, an abandoned estate with a haunting history, and begins to restore it to its former glory.But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of the mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Railcar No. 8, which vanished years ago--along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention the fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.Get your copy of Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes.Amanda Dykes is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She's the winner of the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten title, and the winner of an INSPY award for her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. She's also the author of Set the Stars Alight (a Christy Award finalist), Yours is the Night (recipient of the Kipp Award, Christy Award finalist), All the Lost Places (starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Foreword), and three novellas. Find her online at amandadykes.com.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Connilyn Cossette and I had a great time catching up and talking about her new book, Shield of the Mighty. She tells us more about the entire series, why story is important, the cultural context of her books, and how she feels about coming to the end of her homeschooling career. Patrons will hear about her favorite writing spot and why she loves it so much.Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn CossetteCaptured by the Philistines as a young boy, Zevi has grown into a formidable warrior. As a captain in King Saul's army, he is assigned a crucial mission: Recruit soldiers, gather tribute for the royal coffers, and find talented artisans for the king's court. But when he is sent to Maresha, the town he was forced to leave as a child, he faces a startling truth--the elder council rejects King Saul and his campaign against their enemies.Yochana, a widow and skilled woman of business, is captivated by a stranger who enters her perfume shop. Upon discovering he is not only a soldier but a captain responsible for enlisting young men to die in battle, fury and pain from her past loss resurfaces, threatening to consume her. But when Zevi's actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they're forced to confront present dangers and past scars.Embark on a journey through ancient Israel with bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette in this exhilarating tale of vengeance, justice, and healing.Get your copy of Shield of the Mighty.Get the first book of the series, Voice of the Ancient.Meet Connilyn:“She is too fond of books, and it has addled her brain.”― Louisa May AlcottI was that girl. The one with her nose in books all the time. The one with a stack of library books up to her chin. The one who got caught reading under her desk in school (usually during math class). Among all those lovely books that 'addled my brain' as a young girl, the ones that became my best friends were the historical novels—the ones whose rich details and long-ago adventures took me to Regency England, Ancient Israel, the Civil War Era South, hidden rooms in WWII Amsterdam, Colonial America and into the Wild West. It was these stories that brought history to life in a way that schoolbooks never could, and fueled a desire to imagine myself in these times and places that would eventually spill over into my own writing. Since my first book was published in 2016 my books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, have won both Christy and Carol Awards and have sold thousands of copies all over the world in several languages.And none of it would have ever happened without those first knee-shaking steps of faith and a God whose faithfulness and goodness far outweighs my doubts and insecurities.Thank you for stopping by, I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter and you are welcome to drop me an email at connilyn@connilyncossette.com. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter that will bring you exciting updates and opportunities for giveaways and sales!Visit Connilyn's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Leslie Gould joins us on the show this week to talk about her new book, By Evening's Light. We discuss how war affected the Anabaptists, what her inspiration for the book and the series was, and what an urban hike is. Patrons get to find out what she would miss most if she lived as an Amish woman. By Evening's Light by Leslie GouldTreva Zimmerman finds herself at a crossroads in life after a heartbreaking failed relationship. Returning to Lancaster County to visit her Amish grandparents and elderly aunt, Treva plans to leave her Plain heritage behind for a fresh start in Alaska. Torn between the expectations of her community and her own desires, she seeks to follow her own path--but all that changes when her aunt Rosene suffers a heart attack. As her aunt recounts her own past--a poignant journey through Cold War Germany and a fervent desire to escape her Plain life to search for a lost love--Treva is determined to discover the whereabouts of Rosene's former sweetheart. Amid the turmoil, their former farmhand Gabe Johnson returns unexpectedly, throwing Treva's plans into further disarray.While working hard to save the farm and explore her own destiny, Treva confronts her deep-rooted ties to her heritage and must decide if she will embrace her family's legacy or break free from the pressures of her past to forge a life of her own.Get your copy of By Evening's Light by Leslie Gould.Get book one in the series, A Brighter Dawn.Get book two of the series, This Passing Hour.More about Leslie:My strongest memories from childhood include stories of hope and grace—and how those stories connected me to family and friends. I also soaked up stories of redemption in the small-town churches we attended. Even though I knew I wanted to write fiction by the time I was in the sixth grade, as I grew older I pursued other things, such as majoring in history and communications, working as a museum curator, then as a public relations specialist, and finally as a magazine editor. Once I finally started writing fiction, it was another ten years until I sold my first novel. Soon after, I received a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, which allowed me to teach writing at a local university besides writing novels full-time. I've written a large collection of dual-time, Amish, and contemporary novels, set in a variety of places—from the Pacific Northwest to Amish Country to France to Vietnam. My husband, Peter, and I have been married forty-one years and have four adult children and two grandchildren. We live in Portland, Oregon and enjoy traveling, urban hikes, and hanging out with family and friends!Visit Leslie Gould's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Gabrielle Meyer is back on the podcast to talk about her new book, For a Lifetime. We chat about all the twists in the book (without any spoilers), how she has brought time-crossing novels into the mainstream, and a surprise she has for fans of her books. Patrons get to hear about all the wonderful hosting she does at her home. For a Lifetime by Gabrielle MeyerGrace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever--no matter the cost. In 1692, they live and work in their father's tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother's mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives--or be their undoing.In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents' orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.The sisters have already decided which timeline they will choose, but an unthinkable tragedy complicates the future they planned for themselves. As their birthday looms, how will they determine the lives--and loves--that are best for both of them?Get book one in the series, When The Day Comes.Get book two in the series, In This Moment.Preorder book four in the series, Across the Ages.Meet Gabrielle Meyer:WIFE, MOM, WRITER, FRIEND...Gabrielle lives on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing historical and contemporary novels inspired by real people, places, and events. The river is a constant source of inspiration for Gabrielle, and if you look closely, you will find a river in each of her stories.When Gabrielle is not writing, you might find her homeschooling her children, cheering them on at sporting and theatrical events, or hosting a gathering at her home with family and friends.Visit Gabrielle Meyer's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.What our some of our past guest's favorite Christian historical novels? That's what we're discussing this week. Several authors phoned in and shared with us what they love to read and some of the books that influenced their reading or writing. There is a wide variety of answers, and I found a few that I'm adding to my TBR. Terri Wangard told us about her favorite series, Daughters of Fortune, by Judith Pella, her bestselling historical series set at the onset of World War II. The three Hayes daughters couldn't be more different. But when war separates them across the globe, they learn true significance of family.Get Somewhere a Song.Candice Sue Patterson phoned in to tell us that her favorite Christian historical novel is A Note Yet Unsung by Tamara Alexander. Get A Note Yet Unsung.Amanda Cabot chimed in with her favorite Christian historical novel, Angel Sister by Ann Gabhart. Get Angel Sister.I put Leslie Gould on the spot during her upcoming interview to ask about her favorite book. She shared that it is A Sweetness to the Soul  by Jane Kirkpatrick. Get A Sweetness to the Soul.Tracie Peterson joined us to share with us her favorite Christian historical novel. Actually, she has two favorite series, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles, both by Brock and Bodie Thoene. With their themes of war and the establishment of the modern state of Israel, they are inspiring to Tracie, especially in light of what is happening in the world today. Get The Zion Covenant Series.The Zion Chronicles series is also available on Amazon and other book retailers.I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by to share the book that started my love of Christian fiction, that being Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke. Many of you probably agree with me that it is what ushered you into the world of Christian historical fiction. In many way, it's the book and the series that started it all. Get Love Comes Softly.The rest of the series is available on Amazon and other book retailers. 

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Ann Gabhart is this week's guest, as gracious as always. She chats about her new book, The Song of Sourwood Mountain. We talked about how she gets to know her characters, why there is so much Appalachian fiction, and what her church means to her. Patrons hear about her writing space and her blackberry picking. The Song of Sourwood Mountain by Ann GabhartWhile the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up. No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack. With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of. From the pen of bestselling author Ann Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord's leading.Get your copy of The Song of Sourwood Mountain.Hi, glad you could stop by to get to know me better. I'm a country girl, born and raised on a farm in the Outer Bluegrass region of Kentucky. I know you're thinking horse farm, but no, not out my way. Mostly cows on the farms around here. My grandfather did have a big old workhorse when I was a little girl. My family grew tobacco and corn. We had a few milk cows, some hogs and sheep, but mostly beef cattle. I grew up working on the farm and enjoying the woods and animals. My roots go deep in the land, and I now live on a farm just a mile away from the farmhouse where I was born and raised.I started writing when I was ten and have been writing ever since. My first published writings (personal experience pieces, youth stories, and poems) were in church periodicals like Home Life. My first novel, A Forbidden Yearning, a historical romance about the settling of Kentucky, was published by Warner Books in 1978. Since then I've published over thirty other novels for adults and young adults. .My husband and I were both very young when we married, but we defied the odds and are still married all these years later. That could be because we went to church together and were committed to the Christian life. We are blessed with three wonderful children who picked some great people to marry and now we have nine amazing grandchildren I spoil every chance I get. And I do love to write in my office with big windows all around. Writing is what I've always wanted to do. The desire of my heart is to tell stories to readers like you. Thank you for reading!Visit Ann's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Sara Turnquist joins us for the first time on the podcast this week, though she isn't a new author at all. She tells us about her book, Laura, The Tycoon's Daughter, about the legend of Casey Jones, and how she came to be a writer (it's an interesting journey). Patrons will get to hear what some of her favorite hobbies are. Laura, the Tycoon's Daughter by Sara TurnquistShe is in a hopeless situation. He has sworn off love. Can they find hope in each other and, possibly, a way out of their personal prisons?Laura Millington is the daughter of a prominent railroad tycoon, but that luxury comes at a price. Her father's intentions are to use her as a pawn, steal her choices, and press her into a mold she can't seem to fit. When her curious nature and desire for justice finds her caught up in the middle of a train run gone wrong, can she stand for the truth even if it places her in opposition to her powerful father?Jack Patterson has been betrayed by love. And he is determined to never risk his heart again. The vulnerable, strong-willed Laura intrigues him more than he's allowed since his heartbreak. Can he overcome his reluctance? Moreover, will he be able to protect her from the man who would see her future dashed?Crossing paths with train engineer Casey Jones and his heroic act of self sacrifice, will Laura and Jack find a way to stand side by side against the overwhelming forces keeping them apart?Get your copy of Laura, the Tycoon's Daughter by Sara Turnquist.Meet Sara:I'm a coffee lovin', word slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. I love those odd tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires me. Well, that and a good love story.But of all the love stories I've read, mine is my favorite. I live happily with my own Prince Charming and our gaggle of minions. Three to be exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning.I have authored some enticing historical fiction with meaningful romances, including: A Convenient Risk, The Lady Bornekova, The General's Wife, Hope in Cripple Creek, The General's Wife, Off to War, A Convenient Risk, and more!But of all the love stories I've read, mine is my favorite. I live happily with my own Prince Charming and our gaggle of minions. Three to be exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning.I have authored some enticing historical fiction with meaningful romances, including: A Convenient Risk, The Lady Bornekova, The General's Wife, Hope in Cripple Creek, The General's Wife, Off to War, A Convenient Risk, and more!Visit Sara Turnquist's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Roseanna White visits the podcast this week to talk about her new book, A Noble Scheme. We discuss if writing suspense is difficult, what inspired the series, and she shares her breast cancer journey. Patrons get to hear Roseanna's thoughts on why books set in Edwardian England retain their popularity.A Noble Scheme by Roseanna WhiteIn the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite--and most dangerous--families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts."A Noble Scheme is as clever as it is glamorous."--LAURA FRANTZ, Christy Award-winning author of The Seamstress of AcadieGet your copy of A Noble Scheme by Roseanna White.Get the first book in the series, A Beautiful Disguise.Preorder book three,  An Honorable Deception.Roseanna White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.Being educated at St. John's College (the Great Books School) taught Roseanna to ask questions, to value conversation, and to never accept the simple answer without exploring it for herself. She and her family make their home in the mountains of West Virginia where she and her husband both grew up. Roseanna is a member of ACFW, a frequent speaker at writers events and small groups of readers, and an unabashed email addict.Visit Roseanna White's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.We welcome debut novelist Nicole Miller to the show this week, talking about her book Until Our Time Comes. She tells us about how she found out the book would be published, where her love for Arabian horses comes from, and why she loves stories so much. Patrons will hear about her brood of animals on her hobby farm. Until Our Time Comes by Nicole MillerAmerican horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn. Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other. Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.Get your copy of Until Our Time Comes by Nicole Miller.More about Nicole Miller:I live in Southwest Washington state with my husband and two sons, along with my two purebred Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a long-time horse owner, I've been involved in several horse organizations throughout my life, including serving as a Clark County Fair Court Princess and Miss Teen Rodeo Washington.When I'm not writing or tending the animals, I works in human resources. A journalism major, I've received several national and regional awards for my nonfiction writing from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists.Check out my short stories from Revell, too!Follow me on Instagram at @nicolemillerwriter.Visit Nicole's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Patricia Raybon joins us for the very first time on the podcast, though she isn't a new author. We discuss her latest release, Truth Be Told, if writing a mystery is hard for her, what she'd like readers to take from the book, and what makes a good mystery. Patrons will find out what her current favorite movie is and why. Truth Be Told by Patricia RaybonOn a lovely June night in 1924, amateur detective Annalee Spain is mingling bravely at a high-class political fundraiser in the lush backyard garden of famed political fixer Cooper Coates, one of the wealthiest men in Denver's Black neighborhood of Five Points. When Coates's young daughter discovers a pretty stranger dead in her father's garden shed, Annalee is thrust onto the baffling new case just as she's reeling from another recent discovery—a handwritten letter, found buried in her own garden, that reveals the identity of her mother.Not ready to face the truth about her hidden past, Annalee throws herself into solving the mystery of the young woman's demise. With the help of her pastor boyfriend Jack Blake, her orphaned buddy Eddie, and her trustworthy church friends, Annalee follows the clues to three seemingly disconnected settings—a traveling carnival set up downtown, a Black civic club, and a prestigious white seminary on the outskirts of Denver. Intriguing advice also comes from a famous, real-life Denver visitor. But is Annalee on the right track or just running in circles, fleeing from conflicts racing in her heart?In a taut, heart-gripping narrative driven by secrets, romance, and lies, Annalee must unravel a case with higher stakes than she imagined—one where answers about a lovely woman's death point to truths and tensions still throbbing today.A clean historical mystery featuring an amateur female detective, from the Christy Award–winning author of All That Is SecretThird installment in the Annalee Spain seriesIncludes discussion questions for book groupsGet your copy of Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon.Christy Award winner Patricia Raybon was reared near Denver, Colorado under big sky, bright sunshine, and the humbling mystery of Christ. A newspaper journalist who turned to historical fiction, she authors devotional writing for Our Daily Bread and writes the Annalee Spain Mystery series set in Colorado's dangerous 1920s Klan era.Visit Patricia's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Jennifer Mistmorgan joins us all the way from Australia to discuss her WWII novel, The Mapmaker's Secret. We discuss what inspired the book, why she is so passionate about WWII, and what her unique hobby is. Patrons will hear about her wonderful, quirky little dog. The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer MistmorganMay 1943, Lincolnshire, England: Grace Deroy's family estate is requisitioned by the Air Ministry, so she takes a job in the new cartography facility to protect what used to be her home, a small cog in the vast machinery of war. When the new American intelligence officer Jack Marsden arrives, she has no idea he's been sent to spy on her.Jack has little experience with espionage, but his real task is simple enough: get close to Grace and find out whether she's leaking Air Ministry secrets to the enemy. It should be a dream assignment, but Jack finds himself tongue tied and awkward every time he comes in contact with his target––a sure sign he's falling in love.Grace isn't the Nazi sympathizer that MI5 suspects, but that doesn't mean she's got nothing to hide. When compromising stories about her appear in the press, Grace fears someone she trusts––someone working in her own home––is trying to expose her. Can she find out who before all the shameful secrets from her past are laid bare? And can she trust this quiet new American to help her work out who the real traitor is?Get The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan.Get Book 1 of "On Victory's Wings" series, Heart in the Clouds.Australian author Jennifer Mistmorgan sometimes feels like she was born in the wrong era. So she writes romantic historical fiction set in the 1940s, against the backdrop of WWII and its aftermath. She infuses her sweet romances with wartime drama, gentle faith and a dash of intrigue. She lives in Canberra with her family and a wonky-eared West Highland terrier.Visit Jennifer Mistmorgan's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Kim Sawyer returns to the podcast this week to talk about her new book, The Songbird of Hope Hill. We discuss how she creates such fascinating characters, what led her to writ this book, and her love of renovating old houses. Be sure to listen to the end for a huge announcement from Kim!!! Patrons will hear about her most treasured antique find. The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim SawyerA young woman sings of God's love—even if she doesn't believe He can forgive her—in this heartwarming novel inspired by historical events, from the bestselling author of A Tapestry of Grace.“An unforgettable story of God's grace and redemption.”—Kathleen Y'Barbo, author of The Black MidnightDriven by survival to a life at a house of ill repute, Birdie Clarkson now longs only for escape. So when Reverend Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, appear and offer a better life, she jumps at the chance. Ignoring the furious raging of the madam, Birdie climbs into the back of the preacher's wagon.  The men take her to Hope Hill, the haven the reverend and his wife, Ophelia, founded so women like Birdie can be taught skills to help them rise above their pasts. Soon a resistant Birdie finds herself singing in the choir Ephraim leads at revival meetings, even though she's certain she's the last person who should be representing God.  Reverend Overly teaches that no one is irredeemable, but even as Ephraim is falling in love with her, Birdie remains convinced that she's past saving. After all she's been through, can she ever believe that God's redemption wipes every soul clean? And can Ephraim convince her that God loves her more than she can grasp—and that he does, too?Get your copy of The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Sawyer.Kim Vogel Sawyer grew up in Kansas. All over Kansas. Her dad, an educator by vocation and a house fixer-upper by design, had itchy feet. Consequently, Kim attended seven different schools in five cities before graduating from high school. Although Kim dreamed of being a writer from her earliest memories—even recalls telling her kindergarten teacher that people would check out her book in libraries someday!—she chose to become an elementary school teacher. She used her degree first in an in-home daycare/preschool, then as a home visitor with Head Start, and finally in a fifth grade classroom. Kim loved the kids, but health challenges (a variety of auto-immune disorders) made it difficult to keep up the pace of full-time teaching.In 2001, she dropped to part-time status and began using the morning hours at home to write. The characters and stories that had lived in the back of her brain for years found their way from her fingertips onto a computer screen. She made a promise: to never write anything that would embarrass her mother or to write anything she would be embarrassed for her daughters or former students to read.When Kim isn't writing, she enjoys traveling with her retired military hubby, quilting, antique-shopping, and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings who are the joys of her life. She likes them even more than chocolate, and that's saying something.Visit Kim Sawyer's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Jen Turano is back with us this week, and as you can imagine, we had so much fun. Join us as we talk about her new book, Meeting Her Match. She tells us what she does on release day, how some of her characters get names, and if she laughs or not while she's writing. Patrons, you have a very special bit of bonus content and we discuss some of her many book covers. (Here's your special link, patrons. Be sure to have this page open when we get to your bonus content. https://loom.ly/-Y-N4MY)Meeting her Match by Jen TuranoMiss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.Get your copy of Meeting Her Match by Jen TuranoNamed One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she's not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com – www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor, www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthorJen is represented by Sarah Younger, senior literary agent, Nancy Yost Literary Agency, New York.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Amanda Cabot returns to the show this week to talk about her new book, Into the Starlight. We chat about why books set in Texas are more popular than ones set in Wyoming, why our husbands put up with our craziness, and what it means to have a sister. Patrons will also hear about the fear Amanda conquered on a trip to Australia.Into the Starlight by Amanda CabotAfter more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home. After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable. As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after. Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.Get a copy of Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot.Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of more than forty novellas, eight novellas, four nonfiction books, and what she describes as enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city. Her stories have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly, were a Woman's World Book Club selection, and have been finalists for the ACFW Carol, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers Best awards.A former director of information technology for a major international corporation, Amanda is now a full-time writer living happily ever after with her husband in Cheyenne.Visit Amanda's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Thank you all for being patient with me last week. As you know, I didn't get an episode out because I was away from home and reliable internet finishing my next book. To make up for it, there will be two episodes this week, Lord willing. Joanna Politano is up first.Joanna joins us to talk about her new book, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. We chat about the inspiration for this fabulous book, what film making was like in the very early 1900s, and if Joanna is anything like Lily Temple. Patrons get to hear about her experience homeschooling her kids and how she manages to find time to write.The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna PolitanoPeter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past. Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.Get your copy of The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Politano.More about Joanna:I'm a work-from-home mom of two fun and adventurous littles and we'll soon be homeschooling. I married my hero Vince, who is my love and my polar opposite. I write, he tears it up with the red pen. I break cars and other mechanical things, he puts them back together. He's nailed the “speak the truth” thing, and I bring the “in love” part. But the real spark to our marriage is that he does not like chocolate and I…  like it a normal amount. We love and live from our little house in the woods near Lake Michigan.Visit Joanna Politano's website.Create Harmony This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life's blessings and ...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Angela Hunt returns to the podcast after some time with her new book, The Sisters of Corinth. We chat about sisterly relationships, the city of Corinth, chickens, and the creative spark in all of us. Patrons will hear about why she went back to school several years ago and got a few advanced degrees.The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt"Angela Hunt takes her craft to new heights--and depths--as she fully immerses us in the lives and struggles of first-century followers of Yeshua."--Tamera Alexander, bestselling author on The Woman from LydiaWhen the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus, father to Mariana and Prima, is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity to propel himself to greater power and fortune by uniting his and the governor's households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor's firstborn son. Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis's own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis's urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires--even if it means betraying Mariana to do so.Get The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt.Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who expect the unexpected in novels. With over five million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 150 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to non-fiction books, to novels.Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards–one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, chickens, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in biblical studies in 2008 and her Th.D. in 2015. When she's not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers' conferences. And to talk about her pets, of course.  She is also an avid photographer, using her photos to help find homes for animals at local rescues.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.The lovely and sweet Grace Hitchcock returns to the podcast this week after a long hiatus, and we had a wonderful chat about her new release, To Catch a Coronet. We talk about her making the switch from the Gilded Age to Regency, how she handles Regency era language, and who her favorite character was to write. Patrons get to hear if she likes to read on Kindle, paperback, or both. To Catch a Coronet by Grace HitchcockSometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence itMuriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can't stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it's possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade--one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation.After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle's title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth.Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik's ship. Will Muriel's bold charm and Erik's daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks?"To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock is perfect Regency! This hilarious novel has it all: sparkling dialogue, a spunky heroine with a penchant for baking, and a dreamy hero who loves her in spite of her antics. I loved it and highly recommend!"--Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author of Fragile DesignsGet a copy of To Catch a Coronet by Grace HitchcockI have always loved to read. As a child, going to the library was a highlight and I would read through entire shelves of Historical Fiction until every single favorite author's works were exhausted.The power of the written word captivated me and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a writer. I wrote my first “novel” as a senior in high school for my English project. Of course, when I read it now, I giggle at my word choice and cringe at my sentence structure, but I had so much fun writing it that I decided to Major in Creative Writing and Minor in History. I loved studying the art of creative writing, so I stayed in school and obtained my Masters in Creative Writing as well. Visit Grace's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Janyre Tromp is the guest this week on the podcast, here to talk about her latest release,  Darkness Calls the Tiger. We discuss the significance of tigers to her story and the people her book is about, why she wrote this particular novel, the market for WWII fiction set in Asia, and her eccentric dog. Patrons will hear about what life is like for her now that she has left her nine-to-five job.Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp"Evocative and transportive, filled with nuance and spiked with the violence of war, Darkness Calls the Tiger is a story of redemption in the midst of hopelessness." --Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling authorAfter the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary. As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?Get your copy of Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp.Janyre Tromp is an award-winning and best-selling writer with a deep love for all things nerdy. If she isn't editing or reading, most of the time you'll find her writing heart-wrenching, hope-filled historical novels with a healthy dose of suspense. But she's also a mom, wife, award-winning veteran editor, and wrangler of all things, who hunts for beauty even when it isn't pretty. Her books include Darkness Calls the Tiger, Shadows in the Mind's Eye, O Little Town, and Lovely Life.You can find her all over social media (@JanyreTromp) or on her website  Twitter: www.twitter.com/JanyreTrompFacebook: www.facebook.com/JanyreTrompInstagram: www.instagram/JanyreTrompBookBub: Janyre Tromp Books - BookBubhttp://JanyreTromp.com (where you can grab a copy of her FREE novella, Wide Open)

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Terri Wangard joins us this week on the podcast to talk about her new WWII novel, Seashells in My Pocket. In addition to chatting about the book, we talk about her interesting day job, her extensive knowledge WWII-era planes, and how she infuses humor into what can be a very dark time period. Patrons get to hear about the one place in the world she wishes she could travel to.Seashells in My Pocket by Terri WangardGerman-Brazilian Isabel Neumann delights in creating seashell art, but it's her mathematical ability that lands her a job at the American air base in Natal, northern Brazil during World War II. She doesn't need a calculator to determine the correct weights and balances for the Air Transport Command's cargo planes.Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot based at Natal, endures the taunts of combat pilots that he is “allergic to combat.” His flying skills win him respect, however, and his friendship with Isabel deepens, even as a new source of trouble looms.Isabel is caught in the crosshairs of a German saboteur who is obsessed with her. He insists that she belongs with him, and demands that she help him sabotage the Allied base. Her growing relationship with Daniel angers the Nazi, who will do anything to get rid of him. What will happen to Isabel if the madman captures her?Get your copy of Seashells in My Pocket by Terri Wangard.More about Terri:I grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. My first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days I'm writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in library science, I live in Wisconsin. My research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.Visit Terri Wangard's website.