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If you love historical fiction and want books set in places other than North America or England, Lynn U. Watson has a series for you. Listen in to see what you'll find in Frayed Promises.
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Set in the late 19th century, Frayed Promises is full of family drama and life lessons we could all use a reminder on.
Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson
Sequel to The BookFest® Award Winner, Tangled Promises
Wurttemberg, Germany, 1881
“I’ll keep your secret. But, Clara.” Oma looked her granddaughter in the eye. “Choices carry consequences.”
Clara and Daniel--the Baron’s daughter and the family carriage driver, followed their hearts and married secretly, circumventing nobility’s rules. They conduct their lives separately while sneaking every opportunity to be together. When Clara is forced to reveal her marriage, can she also hide the life growing inside her, and what punishment awaits from her father?
If Vati sends her away, Daniel promises to follow. But unexpected family troubles bring them face-to-face with the words of Proverbs 16:9. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
Her grandmother’s last warning spins like a tempest threatening to shipwreck their joy and fray every promise they have made.
Will they trust that God gives impossibilities beautiful endings?
If you enjoy stories of faith in the face of society's pressures and trusting God in times of struggle, you'll love this closed-door romance that will keep you guessing until the end. For readers of Tracie Peterson and Ann H. Gabhart.
NOTE: Inconvenient pregnancy, sanctity of life, and past abortion are a part of this story—handled with gentleness and grace.Learn more about Lynn on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
Also, don't miss the episode about Tangled Promises HERE.
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I love American history, and finding tidbits of unknown or misunderstood/inaccurate ideas are some of my favorite ones to discover. Put it all in a boo about spies during the War for Independence? SOLD! Listen in to see what you'll find in Megan Soja's Secrets of the Revolution.
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In this episode we had a great conversation about what other realities of life were like during the colonial era and what really happened during the Boston Tea Party.
Secrets of the Revolution by Megan Soja
The cause of liberty brought them together. Will it also tear them apart?
Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies...and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart.
William Abbott always keeps his promises. He vowed long ago to never abandon those in need like his father did. So when new British acts of Parliament threaten Boston and endanger his family, he throws himself into serving the Patriot cause, using his position at the printing office to gather and spread intelligence. But when his clandestine role in the newly formed spy ring causes him to cross paths with the apothecary’s beautiful daughter, he may find himself fighting for more than the cause.
As tensions in Boston reach a breaking point, Will and Hannah find their bond deepening even as the noose tightens around the spy ring. When promises and determination are not enough to protect the ones they love, they’ll need to trust God if they are to survive what is to come.
Learn more about Megan on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:
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Crystal Caudill is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, but when I found out that Written in Secret kicks off a new series that TIES INTO THE OLD ONE??? Totally jazzed. Listen in to find out about the goat.
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From a three-legged goat to someone killing off people and making an author look suspicious, what more can you expect???
Add in a heroine who not only writes as a man BUT... is determined to stop Cincinnatti's corruption, well... SOLD! Take my money!
Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill
What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her.
With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself.
As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.
You can find out more about Crystal Caudill on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
You can also join her Facebook Group HERE.
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:
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I've heard a lot of "whys" from different authors--why they started writing, wanted to write, began when they did. All the whys. Listen in and learn why Heidi Gray McGill took her why for her career and reworked it into her new writing career (and why I think she was so successful!).
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When I found out Heidi's series, Discerning God's Best, allows readers to watch characters grow up and learn to navigate life with (and without--not recommended) the Lord's direction, I knew why folks love it so much.
We love characters we don't have to say goodbye to and get to see become MORE of who they are supposed to be. Win/win!
Heidi also shares her heart for what she's doing with her stories, why she does what she does, and more!
Written on My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill
It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want him to say.
In the wilds of the rugged West, Betsy Smith discovers beauty in every corner—from the blazing sunsets to the wind murmuring secrets through the mountains. Yet, it's the magnetism of Gabe Manning, with his dark complexion and dashing demeanor, that draws her gaze. Having known him since childhood, Betsy sees in Gabe the embodiment of the heroes she admires from her novels: a stalwart protector of the innocent, a champion of justice, a man of unshakable integrity, and a paragon of honor, guided by principles as steadfast as the mountains themselves— all while reconciling with his Arapaho Indian heritage. Yet, amid her admiration, Betsy longs for God’s reassurance that Gabe is the one for her.
As deputy of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, in 1875, Gabe “Little Sun” Manning sees the allure and harshness of frontier life. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the presence of Miss Betsy Smith, a compassionate schoolteacher whose independence and intellect captivate him as profoundly as her beauty. Yet, as their bond deepens, Gabe wrestles with doubts about his ability to fulfill the desires of her heart. Haunted by the secrets of his past and desperate for redemption, Gabe faces his most formidable challenge yet.
Written on My Heart is a powerful Christian Historical Romance full of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. In award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill’s fifth installment in the Discerning God’s Best series, you’ll be transported to a world of wild-west adventure and heartwarming romance.
For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.
• Full-length Christian historical fiction
• A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Timeline: 1875–1876
• For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford
Book One: Desire of My Heart
Book Two: With All My Heart
Companion Christmas Novella: Stitched on My Heart
Book Three: Matters of the Heart
Book Four: Healing of the Heart
Book Five: Written on My Heart
Book Six: Keeper of My Heart - Coming Soon
Prequel: Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup.Listen to our first episode talking about Dial E for Endearment HERE.
Learn more about Heidi on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
Don't miss Heidi's YOUTUBE Channel where you can listen to some of her books FREE.
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One of the best romantic tropes out there is "marriage of convenience," but when you add strange dreams of a twin sister you don't actually have and a man trying to take away your stepson, it's hard to convince yourself that this could actually work. Listen in to learn about another problem this couple has to overcome in Amanda Cabot's latest release, Echoes of Sunrise.
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We're headed to Carr Valley and the wonderful characters in some of Cabot's earlier series.
Add a bit of suspense to this historical romance and you've got a perfect story for your summer TBR.
Echoes of Sunrise by Amanda Cabot
A baby to protect. A town to save.
Is a marriage of convenience the only answer?Sophia Carr knows her recurring dreams of an identical twin sister are just that - dreams. She also knows that eventually she will inherit the hotel her grandfather built. When a fire at the hotel kills her mother, Sophia returns to Carr Valley to rebuild and ensure that a planned railroad line chooses a route that will keep the town alive. But her grandfather's will states that she must be married to inherit, and the only man she can imagine marrying seems to have forgotten her.
Up-and-coming architect Gideon Spencer couldn't say no when his dying friend begged him to marry his widow and raise their baby as his own rather than let a cruel grandfather gain custody. But when the young mother dies, leaving Gideon a single parent, the grandfather poses a new threat unless Gideon manages to marry again. Sadly, the only woman he's interested in is the one he's ignored for six months: Sophia.
Knowing he needs to protect the baby, Gideon heads to Carr Valley. When he discovers that Sophia needs a husband as much as he needs a wife, he proposes a six-month marriage of convenience. Sophia agrees but adds a stipulation of her own, one that will test his resolve, even as their wedding day reveals that Sophia's dreams of a twin sister might be more than dreams.
As Sophia and Gideon join forces, the stakes couldn't be higher: a baby's life, a town's future, and love.
Learn more about Amanda on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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Christian dystopian thrillers are too few and far between, but author J. A. Webb has a great one for us. Listen in while we chat about his Seekers Series and the second book, Inheritance.
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Mix a corrupt secret society along with a priest on the run, and you've got a great mix. This series promises to be full of amazing twists and turns.
Inheritance by J. A. Webb
A Dystopian Thriller of Deception, Faith, and the Fight for Truth
The Order has been betrayed. The hunters have been loosed.
Father Curtis has forsaken his vows. He has left the Order and joined the Seekers, a hidden rebellion dedicated to uncovering the truth long buried by the global church. But walking away from the Order does not mean escaping its reach.
When word spreads that a copy of the True Text — the original thirty-nine books of the Creator — has surfaced on the far side of the world, Curtis, Professor Reuel, and Phillip embark on a desperate mission. If they can retrieve the artifact, it could change everything. If they fail, the truth will be lost forever.
But the Eye of the Eternal, the secret police of the Order, has already mobilized. Their assassins are relentless. Their power is absolute. And they will stop at nothing to silence the truth.
Outnumbered and hunted, Curtis and his allies must risk everything to defy an empire built on deception. But against such overwhelming darkness, is faith enough? Or will their inheritance — humanity’s true past — be erased from history once and for all?
The war for truth has begun. And the Order will not suffer heretics to live.
A Gripping Tale of Power, Deception, and the Courage to Seek Truth
🔥 Perfect for fans of dystopian thrillers like 1984, Brave New World, and The Da Vinci Code—but with a Christian twist!
⚡ A suspense-filled journey into a world where illusion is law and questioning it means death.
📖 If you love stories of faith, defiance, and the battle against unseen tyranny, this is the book for you.
The Order has ruled from the shadows long enough. Are you ready to see the truth?
Learn more about J. A. Webb on his WEBSITE and follow him on GoodReads and BookBub.
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Austen retellings are always a lot of fun, but make it happen in a contemporary setting and toss in some royalty, and you've got something unique. Listen in to see why I'm almost giddy over this new series (and the cover!)
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Talking with Janelle was such a delight. Adding to that learning how she went from working with the publisher to writing part of the series and then taking on the whole thing, well... All I can say is, YEEEHAW! You go girl!
I mean, "That is a fine undertaking, milady!"
Northargyle Abbie by Janelle Leonard
When Abigail Morgan, a naive pastor's daughter with an overactive imagination, inherits a cottage in Australia, she never imagines the story it will unlock. Armed with a museum studies degree and a penchant for daydreams, Abigail heads to Hyacinth Cottage to unravel the truth of her grandmother's past-an unknown world of adventure, deception, and love.
While sifting through letters, photographs, and hidden relics, Abigail meets Colter Wellesley, a charming local who helps her navigate the labyrinth of clues with a blend of wit and charm she struggles to resist. But Colter comes with secrets of his own. As their investigation and romance deepen, Abigail wonders if Colter is more tangled up in her grandmother's mystery-and that of the princess who vanished more than sixty years ago-than she ever imagined.
In this modern reimagining of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, the line between imagination and reality blurs, and every clue discovered could be the key to unlocking a royal legacy.
Learn more about Janelle on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:
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The series title, "Singing Silver Mine," was enough to not only grab but hold my attention. But... you'll have to listen in to learn what else Donna Wichelman has written that has me crazy excited!
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Inspired by the Georgetown Loop, The Singing Silver Mine series takes us to Colorado where a new national mining law put in place in 1872 prompted the mine disaster Donna put in this first book in the series!
A Song of Deliverance by Donna Wichelman
Born 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.
Learn more about Donna on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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Have you ever wanted to visit Eden? Listen in as I chat with author Dell Vans about her YA fantasy series where siblings Josh and Judy find a portal... to Eden.
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Portal fantasy is a particular favorite of mine, and going to Eden? Sign me up and gimme a few hours to read it, and... bliss. Right? Add to that all the best of fantastical and mythical characters from folklore the world over, and yeah. WOOT!
The Harrowing Adventures of New Eden by Dell Vans
Judy is a quiet young girl who tries to avoid her father's frequent outbursts. After a particularly abusive episode, her brother Josh reveals a secret: he's been communicating with their older brother, Danny, through a special rock outside their neighbor's home. Danny also sent Josh a map to a location in the woods outside their home, which he is gung-ho at finding. But the woods are supposed to be off-limits! What should Judy do?
Eager to see their brother again, Judy reluctantly agrees to follow Josh to the location, if only as an escape from their home. Upon leaving the next morning, their father chases after them. When they arrive at the location, Danny is nowhere to be found. Instead, they find a hole. To escape their father once and for all, they jump into the hole, only to realize it's actually a portal to Eden. Yes, that Eden!
Luckily, Josh and Judy run into a couple of elves named Robin and Joralf. Judy and Robin are excited to meet each other, but Josh has his doubts. Meanwhile, Joralf feels the children's sudden appearance will have dire effects throughout the land. Evil threatens to enter the land and cause an imbalance throughout the garden, which would lead to Eden's complete destruction. Joralf encourages the children to return home immediately, but Judy doesn't want to go home.
However, she doesn't want to be what kills all of Eden's inhabitants-mermaids, jackalopes, kalavinkas, Nephilim, and so much more-either. There's a problem, though: Judy accidentally broke the crystal that operates the portal! There's only one other option; the group must find the Archangel Uriel before Eden collapses. It's going to take a lot of determination and resolve to fight through roaring rivers, major lightning storms, deception, killer birds, and mutinies to get there.
Can Josh and Judy find Uriel before the building natural disasters tear Eden apart? Follow Judy through the portal and find out!
Learn more about Dell on her WEBSITE and follow her on X (Twitter/X= Twix) and GoodReads.
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When Sins of the Past came out, author Bethany Klassen intended it to be a stand-alone. Listen in to learn how a sequel came about and why I'm so excited about it and her next release!
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Our hero from Sins of the Past returns in Tomorrow's Promise, and with him comes other familiar characters and new ones as well. Bethany shares her joy in research (and how it can take over) as well as the excitement that comes with a new book and what's coming up next (in just a few months!)
Tomorrow's Promise by Bethany Klassen
In a desperate struggle between darkness and light, their faith will be tested like never before…
Matthew Ellison thought he had left his life as a lawman far behind. But when tales surface of a killer on the loose near Albury, his experience and skill are once again put to the test. Can he earn back the townspeople’s trust while protecting those he has come to love?
Tucked out of sight on her father’s ranch, Hazel McKinney’s dreams of finding love seem to grow more distant every day. Then a chance encounter with a charming young preacher changes everything – tossing her between dreams of the future and the present stark reality.
Nathan Royce traveled West years ago to join his uncle in the ministry. Dedicated to serving the townspeople of Albury, Texas, he tackles the job with all its challenges and heartache. Then one day Nathan runs into an intriguing young woman with a faith that matches his own. Can he protect her when danger threatens their newfound friendship and possibly even her life?
Learn more about Bethany on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
To hear more about Sins of the Past, listen in to our previous episode with Bethany Klassen HERE.
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Biblical fiction author turned fantasy with an eleven-book series? Sign me up, please! Listen in to learn more about this Biblical allegory fantasy with a tie to "the first shall be last and the last shall be first."
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Releasing one book a month in 2025, The Illumination Chronicles combines seven epic novels with four novellas in this can't-put-it-down series. EEEP!
From before the fall, through the garden, the war in heaven, and even through the New Testament, Demi weaves threads of Scripture into patterns in a completely fantastical realm including special gifts that keep us guessing and turning pages.
I can't wait to see where she takes this series. As for me, I'm all in!
Legend of the Light Blade by Demi Griffin
SOMETIMES THE FATE OF THE WORLD DEPENDS ON ONE MAN'S BELIEF!
The Age of Mythic has arrived in Everlasting, and everything is far from normal. The citizens find themselves burdened by oppressive rules and regulations, which only serve to widen the gap between the noble class and the commoners. Those who hold secrets actively suppress free thinking.
Trapped within the Hollows, the Enchantress’s dark power continues to grow. She lures unsuspecting victims into her web, aiming to create an army of umbrian, the unborn, made of shadows.
Amidst the political unrest sparked by an unfair trial involving the much-admired and popular Librarian, a sinister plot unfolds to establish a regency in Everlasting.
As the forces of evil gather to bring an end to the Age of Mythic, there exists only one savior who can protect the future of Everlasting from a grim destiny. The Light Blade, a legendary and prophetic artifact, was feared by many and doubted by few.
Among those who disregarded it the most was Vandis, a humble orphan. Plagued by unanswered questions from his past, Vandis had lost faith in everything, especially himself. It seemed impossible for a man who believed in nothing to become something extraordinary.
What would it take for the Realm Caster to realize his destiny? Who would help him transform into the man who could ultimately wield the Light Blade and defeat the Enchantress?
Learn more about Demi on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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A few years ago I read a book about a woman who visited Ireland and the ensuing story. Well, last month I chatted with her about her Forever Series and especially, Forever Free. Listen in and see why I am excited to check out this series (especially #4!)
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I loved Hope's author history--from the book that people thought was about someone a lot like her to the opposite, to yet another opposite, and back to familiar territory (but not like her again!)
We chatted about learning how to write first a book, then a series, then a novella, and now back to stand alones. I love that she, too, is a discovery writer. With her great ideas, I'm eager for her new book next summer, too
I meant to ask her about reading order, but forgot. I asked after we stopped recording and learned that the books are technically stand alones, but it is a good idea to read from the beginning through to the end.
Forever Free by Hope Toler Dougherty
Phoebe Sinclair combines her love of flowers and teaching to nurture a cut flower business on her grandfather's land. She has her hands full growing the farm, growing her customer base, and dealing with her growing attraction to the aloof man who volunteered to help make her farming dream come true.
Can she focus on her main job, or will a pair of yearning eyes and a hurting heart divert her worthy goals?
Heath Daniels has resigned himself to a life of singleness as he watches his siblings couple up and set wedding dates. Tracking their happiness, however, is more difficult than he expected. A real struggle, in fact.
Feeling old troubles—from the bad time when he dropped out of college to explore less-than-noble pursuits—creep back to tempt him, propelling him to volunteer for manual labor that leaves him exhausted at the end of every day—and out of trouble.
His additional hours of agri-business, however, lead to more struggles with an intriguing farmer. Does he have the strength to resist old temptations as well as a beautiful new one?Learn more about Hope on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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Nothing says "sign me up now" than a new book from Becca Wierwille. I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of Road Trip Redemption, and boy was I thrilled. Listen in to see why.
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Full of wonderful lessons that appear naturally within the story rather than feeling placed there for maximum impact (read: SERMON), Road Trip Redemption ends the fabulous Road Trip Series with a bang--and an epic road trip.
I love that while these are unapologetically Christian middle-grade novels, they don't feel like a 19th-century, pin-it-on-the-nose moralistic tale. They're just kids learning the ropes of growing up, making mistakes, learning from them, and coming out better people for it. You know... that humanity thing we're all a part of.
We also chatted about what's coming next, and I, for one, am crazy excited.
Listen to previous episodes here:
Road Trip Rescue: HERE
Road Trip Return: HERE
And listen to their new PODCAST HERE.
Road Trip Redemption by Becca Wierwille
A hopeful adventure for kids ages 8-12 about sisterhood, friendship, and the power of starting over.
Three years ago, Jada Robinson betrayed her best friend.Now, her family has moved, and thirteen-year-old Jada struggles to make friends. Realizing how it feels to be bullied, she’d give anything to undo the past.
When Jada finds a stray dog, she is sure he’s the same beloved pet her ex-best friend, Kimmy, once lost. This feels like Jada’s chance to make things right.
Jada talks her two older sisters into a trip to Pennsylvania to reunite Kimmy with her furry friend. But as new questions about their canine companion unravel Jada’s plans, she wonders how she’ll face Kimmy after all these years.
Learn more about Becca on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:
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If you love the children's classic, A Little Princess and story of Joseph from the Bible, imagine them set in a fantasy world filled with artists. Listen in while we talk about art academies and princes who don't want to be king!
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Author of books like The Vault between Spaces and Beast, Chawna Schroeder does it again with a wonderful world of art and honor--and the things in between.
Don't forget to check out the seven elements of the school "hidden" (not really but you get the idea) on the cover!
Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder
Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.
Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists.
Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives.
Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear.Learn more about Chawna on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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Seth has three weeks to save his sister. Just hack into the government and voila. All saved. No biggie. Ahem. Listen in and see what his sister's fate is if Seth fails!
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In a world with cameras everywhere, Jeremiah Friedli takes it to new levels in this sci-fi... well, he doesn't call it a thriller, but it sure feels like it might be one to me. If you liked Amanda G. Stevens' Haven Seekers series, I think this will be right up your alley.
Core Deception by Jeremiah Friedli
In a world where the government’s CORE systems see and track everyone, seventeen-year-old hacker Seth Alvarez is determined to save his sister from being placed in a reeducation facility. Armed with a cryptic letter, Seth embarks on a search for the valuable incognito devices—cyber master keys that can set his sister free.
But with only three weeks remaining, he finds himself wedged between two powerful forces who will stop at nothing to get the devices first.
Learn more about Jeremiah on his WEBSITE and follow him on GoodReads.
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Christian chapter books for early readers are hard to find. Listen in and learn why Allie Slocum added subtle lessons about parts of speech in hers!
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Where were these books when I was homeschooling young elementary kids? The stories look like heaps of fun, and a lesson or two along that way? Yes, please!
Joseph O'Tooley and the Escape of Herb the Verb by Allie Slocum
Every kid struggles with humility from time to time. Joseph (Joey) O'Tooley is no different. He is Peter's (Peter O'Tooley, Bugged and Bullied, Vol. 4 in the Character Club Series) younger brother. Mrs. Dish's new puppet, a firefighter called Herb the Verb, has been locked away! See if you can solve the escape room clues before Joey and his classmates.
You might just learn about verbs and something about humility along the way. Great read-aloud for teachers. Built-in glossary, discussion questions and teaching materials included. More at www.characterclubonline.com
Learn more about Allie and the Character Club on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
You can view Allie's YouTube HERE.
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I love American homefront stories from WWII. Make them epistolary novels and, well, that makes them just about perfect. Listen in to learn more about Caitlin Miller's Our Yellow Tape Letters.
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When Caitlin Miller said she was inspired by Amy Lynn Green's Things We Didn't Say AND that Green endorsed the novel, well... I knew this book would be excellent!
I've already started reading it, and so far it doesn't disappoint.
Our Yellow Tape Letters by Caitlin Miller
Just days away from Germany's surrender, Lucy Skyes never expects to receive the same telegram that thousands of families across the world have since the start of World War Two: a notice of her brother's death in the service of his country. While reeling from the shock of losing her best friend, Lucy receives a letter from someone who knew her brother and can tell her two things she desperately wants to know: What her brother's life was like in the army and who is responsible for his death.
Jeremiah Sparrow wakes up in an army hospital, unable to remember what put him there, why he can't hear anything, or who he lost. When memories resurface of a plane crash, a parachute, and a friend, Jeremiah harbors deep guilt and secrets. Jeremiah sends a letter of his own to Lucy—and his words open a door that may cost him more than he realizes.
Everyone has secrets to unearth and stories to tell. War, loss, and letters—they are a lot like yellow tape: Once you cross that line, there is no going back. And sometimes, what you find on the other side looks nothing like you imagined it to.Learn more about Caitlin on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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I'm so excited about the On Victory's Wings series by Jennifer Mistmorgan. We had a blast chatting and you won't want to miss out on the a mini brainstorming session we had.
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World War II had no end of amazing stories of heroism--in battle and on the home front. Sometimes it's a noble heart doing what might have been done at any time and in any situation but is made even more impressive by the difficult circumstances. This series touches them all and more. I think the These Long Shadows may be my favorite, but... I have to read them all to be sure!
These Long Shadows by Jennifer Mistmorgan
How do they rebuild a marriage that wasn’t real in the first place? If you love epic wartime romance with a dash of intrigue, you’ll love this second-chance, marriage-of-convenience love story.
London, 1945: Two years ago, Jonty Ables married Katie Baines to save her and her unborn baby from shame. But now the war is all but over, the baby is gone and they must work out where their shaky marriage fits into lives irrevocably changed by war.
Clinging to the memory of a time before all happiness evaporated, Katie works hard during the day as a seamstress. At night she comes home to a tiny terrace on a bomb-scarred street, crammed with her extended family and their problems. Years of estrangement sit between her and her recently demobilised husband. She’s not even sure she loves him. So why is she so crushed that he calls out another woman’s name in his sleep?
Jonty is determined to honor the vows he made no matter how many ghosts plague him. But with such separate lives, his wife is more of a stranger than ever. When Katie’s friend goes missing, Jonty seizes the opportunity to help her find him just so they have reason to talk. But the war casts long shadows over their efforts, and fighting for their future might just be the hardest battle of them all.
Book 3 of the On Victory's Wings series, These Long Shadows, is easily read as a standalone novel.
Learn more about Jennifer on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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When I read that Kelli Galyean's novel explores an unwanted abortion and the fallout that follows, I knew I had to read it. Listen in to discover the twist that cemented that decision.
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Abortion is such a difficult topic to begin with, but when it's forced on you by parents looking out for their political ambitions... things get a whole new level of painful and complicated.
Add to that the grief, the need for Jesus, and the need for forgiveness from many sides, and Kelli has a book I don't think readers will want to miss.
How Can It Be? by Kelli Galyean
As a college student, Mia Browning shared a carefree weekend with drummer Ryan Blackstone. Soon after, Mia learned she was pregnant, a fact her politically-ambitious parents would not allow to stay true. A forced abortion left her broken and alone.
Ten years later, Mia has found healing and embraced a new life in Christ. Mia arrives at church one Sunday, to find that the new worship minister is none other than the blue-eyed drummer of her past.
Seeing Ryan again after all these years is complicated. Serving at the youth camp means they are often thrown together, creating an unexpected friendship. Growing closer seems inevitable, but will they both have the courage to let go of the past and move forward into something deeper?
For those days when life feels complicated, here is a book that invites readers to remember the truest thing about all of us: that we are loved by God and saved by His grace. This book is a warm hug, a lighthearted laugh, and an invitation into joy!
Learn more about Kelli on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.
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Cheri Swalwell has a fabulous series, the Redemption of Green Pines, is finally complete. Listen in to learn more about the entire series and specifically what you'll find in this award-winning conclusion.
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I love that Swalwell has brought the series "full circle" with this series. It's such a great way to wind it up.
I also love the idea that we might get more from this world. EEEP.
But what I love most about Cheri and her writing is her deep love for Jesus and His people and how it shows in every word she speaks and the words she writes.
Redemption Full Circle by Cheri Swalwell
Families stick together. That’s what families do.
In the touching conclusion to the heartwarming “Redemption of Green Pines” series, Shawn and Annie have recently moved to Green Pines to be closer to his sister, Holly and her husband, Jace. New community. New job. New church. Shawn feels optimistic about the open doors God has given their family, even if the new position of superintendent feels a little out of his league.
As Shawn embraces his new adventure, little does he know he will soon be called upon to save not only family and friends, but also those in the school he has promised to protect.
In the aftermath, Shawn is confronted with emotions he has long buried, threatening his marriage and newly-formed relationships. Will he allow God to help him heal or will everything he loves and has worked for his whole life be destroyed from one senseless act?Redemption Full Circle takes you on a powerful journey of redemption, forgiveness, and grace. If you’ve been captivated by the “Redemption of Green Pines” series, this final installment promises an unforgettable conclusion. If you enjoy reading faith-based stories in wholesome small towns where God turned messes into miracles, then get your copy and escape into the story today!
Learn more about Cheri on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
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Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more! - Visa fler
