The Because Fiction Podcast

 It may seem weird, but my favorite way to read Amish fiction is with mystery or suspense added. I think I like the juxtaposition of the "simple, quiet" life and the upheaval. Listen in to my chat with Shelley Shepard Gray about her newest book, Unshaken. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. There are so many questions about the Amish, their ways of life, and their differences from us and from each other. We talked about the differences between people, sure, but we also looked at how the Amish look for the ways people are similar to them etc. Of course, we also talked about the Rumors in Ross County series and how her newest book connects.  Unshaken  by Shelley Shepard Gray He helps her hide until danger has passed. She hopes her cover lasts long enough. When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn't find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman. Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev--which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate--and there's no telling what lengths he will go. You can learn more about Shelley on her WEBSITE.  Don't forget to follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. AND!!!  Don't miss her Buggy Bunch group on Facebook, too!  Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

I absolutely judge books by their covers, and as one of the top covers I've seen all year, Sowing Hope doesn't disappoint. Listen in to learn how Heather Wood weaves parts of history many don't know much about into amazing stories! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I love that Heather writes about skilled Irish artisans before the potato famine.  She also shared about how she wrote to show how slavery was getting worse, how she deals with an actual martyr, and about the Underground Railroad. Sowing Hope by Heather Wood Encounter the True Story of Abolitionist Editor Elijah Lovejoy Patrick Gallagher has done all he can—and it hasn’t been enough. Now in his mid-thirties, he battles discouragement over his inability to make a difference in eradicating slavery. Longing to regain the hope and passion that once fueled his calling, Patrick sets out from his home in Maryland to meet his hero, Elijah Lovejoy, an anti-slavery editor in Missouri. Anna Markland actively serves her community and those traveling on the Underground Railroad. But her efforts feel small when she is constantly beset by headaches that leave her prostrate for days on end. When the enigmatic Mr. Gallagher enters her life, she discovers their hearts beat with the same dreams. Yet Anna knows that if she allowed him to pursue her, her weakness would hinder him from reaching his potential as an abolitionist leader. In the free states along his path, Patrick discovers that the Black and abolitionist communities are anything but free. Violent mobs, hateful rhetoric, and spineless politicians create a tinderbox of danger. What will he sacrifice for the cause he’s devoted his life to—and will God finally use him to make the difference he longs to see in society? Don't miss the first interview with Heather HERE. Learn more about Heather on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Riddles? Hidden treasure? Secrets?  Sounds like things are causing chills in Marlin County! Listen in to see what fearsome things Rae Riley will face in JPC Allen's latest mystery! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I just love Allen's world in Marlin County, Ohio, and seeing her back with this new book is the highlight of my autumn. I mean, how much more Octobery can you get than a book with "Riddle" and "lonesome October" in it?  Anne Shirley (if she'd been a mystery buff, anyway) would totally approve. A Riddle in the Lonesome October by JPC Allen How do you survive a season of fear? October is a hard month for Rae Riley's family. Her dad, Sheriff Walter "Mal" Malinowski lost his wife and father then. He also has to manage the trouble Halloween brings to rural Marlin County, Ohio. But this year, Rae's uncle fights for his life after a riding accident, and a family feud over a lost inheritance erupts at a local Halloween attraction. As Rae tries to support her family, she and her cousin Amber work to unravel the 70-year-old riddle that will reveal the location of the inheritance so their great aunt Lily and her kids can gain a fortune. And Rae must deal with the secretive behavior of the deputy she’s fallen for. When a bogus medium conducts a séance to contact Cyrus Morley, the man who devised the riddle, the results stun everyone, and the aftermath is even more shocking. There's only one way to survive a season of so much fear--and only one way to unmask a killer.  Learn more about JPC Allen on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 If you loved Jill Williamson's Blood of Kings series, you're in for a treat.  Jill, working with Sunrise Publishing, has new authors publishing in her world, and I got to chat with one!  Listen in to see why I'm really excited about Niki Florica's book in this series (and why I love her cover the best!). note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Niki and I had a great time chatting about fantasy, the world of the Blood of Kings, how she became a part of the Sunrise family, and more! Heir of Light by Niki Florica Sir Rigil Barak came to Land’s End expecting a routine mission: investigate some rumors, spy on some nobles, and above all, play the perfect knight. Instead, he is reunited with his less-than-shining past--the same past that has kept him on the road for years, fleeing his noble father's scorn and grieving the woman he thought dead. Until now. Because in Land's End, he sees a face he never thought he’d see again . . . at least, not outside his dreams. And if she's alive, he'll do anything for a second chance to save her. Years of captivity to a madman left Sethe with a face full of scars and one rule: never be trapped again. Except, to keep that rule, she'll have to ask for help from Rigil, the thief who broke her heart and abandoned her long ago. Now, years later, he shows up to rescue her from Land’s End like a knight in shining armor? Who does he think he is? And even if the boy from her past has become a real knight with real honor, can she fall for a man who lied to her? Maybe that doesn't matter now, because Sethe’s old captor is hot on her heels with a new invention that could turn her into something worse than a prisoner. He could turn her into a weapon. Fortunately, Rigil and Sethe always did know how to pull off a heist--and if they can steal the enemy’s deadly new weapon, they can save the kingdom. For Sethe, this means trusting Rigil without letting him anywhere near her heart. For Rigil, it means a second chance with the woman whose heart he once broke. And this time, failure could cost them everything. Dive into this swashbuckling story of second chances, forbidden love, espionage and epic adventure in this fourth book in the Blood of Kings: Legends series. Blood of Kings: Legends Book 1: Squire of Truth Book 2: Lord of Winter Book 3: Lady of Shadows Book 4: Heir of Light Learn more about  Niki on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. And don't forget her YouTube channel. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 I had a fascinating chat with Ann Gabhart recently. She's always full of wonderful stories about Kentucky, and this was no exception. Listen in to learn what about her story... is true! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Hearing about the hot springs and the girl who danced for one night made me wish I had a Tardis. Wouldn't you love to go back in time and follow her so you could find out what happened? The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann H. Gabhart  Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined. At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities--including dances almost every evening. As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart. When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty. With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships. Learn more about Ann on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Lovers of romantic suspense know the name Elizabeth Goddard.  How could they not?  I had a chat about her most recent release, Perilous Tides, and boy does this one sound great! Listen in to learn more. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  In this book, we head up to Washington state and encounter bad weather, murder, an ex-Green Beret (are you ever ex special forces, though? Really?), and a whole lot of danger! Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard High-Stakes Romantic Suspense from USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard Three years after her mother's suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder--and becomes a target. More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her--none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother's death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together. As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed.  Grab your copies from Bakerbookhouse.com available at 30% off with free shipping!!! Learn more about Elizabeth Goddard on her WEBSITE and follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

With the 125-year anniversary of the Galveston flood this year, a book about the events surrounding it?  Sounds great to me. Listen in to see why I think Jennifer L. Wright is a perfect choice to do it. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Loved this chat with Jennifer (always do!).  It was great to catch up, see what she's been working on, and learn all about her research into the Galveston flood.  Oh, and don't miss the book she recommended,  Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson.  Last Light over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau. Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive. Learn more about Jennifer L. Wright on her WEBSITE. and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Don't know about you, but I LOVE a good suspense novel, and DiAnn Mills?  She writes some of the best. Listen in to hear why I'm excited about Canyon of Deceit. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. DiAnn shared about how the park rangers are volunteers because it's so remote and DESERTY. I loved learning that I'm not alone. DiAnn also gets so immersed that she forgets the world around her as she writes.  After listening to her rave about the Master Class survival course by Jessie Kriebs, I knew I'd have to take it, too. Pro Tip: The National Parks system has books about the tourist area--has local lore and information you don't find anywhere else. She's a total seat-of-the-pants writer. Just goes in with a character worksheet. Don't miss her website with information about the book--with trailers and book club stuff... and information about this area. Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills  A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy. When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing―and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone. Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina. Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot―no matter the risk to their own lives. Learn more about DiAnn on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Everyone loves a good Cinderella retelling, and I think Amy R. Anguish has a super cool one for us. Listen in and see why it's sure to be a new favorite! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I just love the idea that instead of missing shoes and a mysterious dance partner, we're looking for who really painted a potentially prize-winning piece of art!  EEEP! Rendersella by Amy R. Anguish Ella dreams of her artwork on display in the famous Prince Gallery, but working for her stepmother leaves her eking out sporadic minutes to draw or paint. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, Ella fears she’s lost her chance. Chaz Prince wants more responsibility at his family’s gallery, but first he must prove he can handle it. Chaz talks his dad into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella’s piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wishes to know the artist. At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up? Visit Amy at her WEBSITE or on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

I don't know about you, but I always think of archaeology as being in the Victorian period, instead of Regency!  So, it shouldn't be any wonder that I was thrilled to find out about Jenelle Hovde's recent release and see that world from a Regency perspective. Listen in to learn more. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  This book is more than a stunning cover and a story about an equally stunning mosaic.  Overcoming pasts, trying to forge new futures--everything you can imagine.  No Stone Unturned  by Jenelle Hovde She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground. Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle. Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not―cannot―fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion. Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined. Sweet Regency romance filled with hope, faith, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic Historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, or Abigail Wilson Includes discussion questions for book clubs  Learn more about Jenelle on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Romance is blooming in Valiant once again, and on this page of the tale, we have... Paige! Listen in while Mary Pat Johns and I chat about this second chance romance and learn all the fun details!  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Waitin' on Paige by Mary Pat Johns Tavo Morales has returned to Valiant, Texas, to stir the embers of a relationship with the woman he has never stopped loving, but hidden reefs from his past threaten to destroy his future. Paige Muñoz wants her new event planning business to be a success and won’t let anything stand in her way. But the path she’s on to make her dreams come true proves dangerous. Is the love Tavo and Paige once shared strong enough to survive his secrets and her stubbornness? Learn more about Mary on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 One of my favorite things about Roseanna M. White's books is her attention to detail not just with historic facts but LOCATIONS. She does a fabulous job of ensuring that the faiths of her characters match their locales (she has a great blog post about this that you don't want to miss, too!).  Speaking of research and faith, listen in to learn more what went into The Collector of Burned Books. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Of course, when you talk to a historical fiction author, you learn all kinds of new facts you didn't know.  I think my favorite (and most surprising!) fact was that the Catholic sectors were most against Nazis.  I shouldn't be surprised, but I was. I love how she wove the horrible facts of history together with a beautiful commitment to truth and freedom and created this story.  You won't want to miss it. The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White  In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy. Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany. For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home. Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party―he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart. Learn more about Roseanna M. White on her WEBSITE (with all the bookish merch) and follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Debut novelist Christine Hill Suntz has come up with a fabulous marriage of convenience story in this Christian historical romance, The Lawyer and the Laundress. Listen in to learn about the author's unexpected connection to the surrounding historical events! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Christine and I chatted about how much she loves romance, about the three-day rebellion of 1837, and how there were TWO rebellions--an "upper" and a lower one." Furthermore, she shared about her next novel and how it relates to this book.  I personally can't wait to read that one, too! The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival. Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life. When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected solution: become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady. If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life. Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romance Filled with love, faith, and adventure Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera Alexander Includes discussion questions for book clubs Learn more about Christine on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 By the time I got done talking to Angela Carlisle about her books, I'd already downloaded the audiobook of Secondary Target. Listen in and see why. Spoiler alert: I listened to Shadowed Witness immediately following. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Suspense is a broad category, but sometimes suspense borders on thriller. Angela and I had a great chat about the world and the circumstances in which she's set her characters. Shadowed Witness by Angela Carlisle  A haunting attack. A killer in the shadows. A protective love. Murder--that's what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs outside her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her. Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye's report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again. "Fans of romantic suspense, add Angela Carlisle to your must-read list!"--Lynn H. Blackburn, bestselling and award-winning author "Make room on your shelves--this is a keeper!"--Jaime Jo Wright, bestselling author on Secondary Target "Surprising twists and unfolding mysteries kept me turning pages until the end."--Jerusha Agen author of the Guardians Unleashed series on Secondary Target Pick up this thrilling ride of romantic suspense with themes of danger, psychological intrigue, friends to more, and a small Learn more about Angela on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 Oh, my. Anytime I have a chat with Dana Mentink, I know I'm going to have a great time AND get obsessed with a new book. This one is no different. Listen in and see why Fire Mountain is at the top of my fall reading list! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Well, this book erupts with smashing opening! (Okay, cheesy description, but come on!  Couldn't resist!) A woman long hauler?  A volcano? A baby from out of nowhere?  Dana has really gone all out on this one! Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive. In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help. As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not. When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above. Learn more Dana about on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

If you asked me who my top three women's fiction author are, I'd definitely add Amanda Cox--probably at the top.  Definitely at the top if I've read one of her books in the past month or so. Listen in and see why The Bitter End Birding Society could be my favorite... again (they're always my favorite). note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Bitter End, Tennessee--a nowhere place at the top of a mountain. Learn how she found out its history (not easy) and how it got its name (spoiler: she didn't). Mobile Wedding Chapel?  She's got it. Moonshine?  Get all you can drink in and no hangover!!!  (just joking around!  Avoid the moonshine in jars on your counter--your gut will thank you). The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox  A forbidden romance, a fractured family, and one woman's journey to piece it all together Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt prepare for retirement. A town called Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from the attention and unwarranted admiration of her community. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird-watchers takes her under their wing--a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors. But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree--one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son--what began as a getaway to help her great-aunt becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years. An immersive faith-based novel of finding belonging, reconciliation, and new beginnings for fans of southern fiction. This narrative of friendship and community makes for a perfect book club selection. Don't miss the preorder at 40% off from BakerBookHouse (or the 30% off after release)--both with free shipping! Learn more about Amanda Cox on her WEBSITE. Follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 A Hosea and Gomer retelling... in Nigeria?  Yes, please! Listen in and learn about IyanuOluwa's inspiration, love of words, and love of the Lord and his people in Love's Beacon. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I had a lovely time chatting with IyanoOluwa about her The Way Home series and how she weaves faith, Nigerian culture, and Biblical inspiration into her contemporary romance stories.  Love's Beacon by IyanuOluwa Olorode Goal/Wish List Mini Cooper that I didn’t buy with my own money. Check. MSc from London College of Fashion. Check. Become a millionaire, not just because of dad’s money. Check. Have at least five thriving businesses. Check. Get married to the love of my life. FUTURE IMPOSSIBLE TENSE! Regina has everything she possibly wants. At least almost everything. Two things elude her. One. Dapo. Dapo is all shades wrong and not hers. He’s her sister’s man, yet her heart can’t stop beating for him. Why? Maybe because he has the other one thing she knows she can never have—a relationship with God. Something she once had but foolishly threw away. Rachel is wife material. Not just any wife material. Pastor’s wife material. She’s godly, calm, and reserved. She loves the Lord, and she’s pretty enough that they’d both look good on a church poster. Dapo’s plan to become the youngest youth pastor at Solid Rock Assembly is set in motion and meets an abrupt end when his fiancée marries Brother Bisola instead. Enraged and heartbroken, Dapo finds himself nursing a heartbreak and feelings towards his best friend’s baby sister, Regina. Regina is all shades wrong. She’s loud, impulsive, has close to zero interest in the things of the Lord, wears skimpy clothes, and is too beautiful for her own good. Despite all the red flags, he can’t stop himself from loving her. And three words ring loud and clear: RECIPE FOR DISASTER. Regina believes in fate. Could it be fate bringing them together? Or is there something else, something more powerful intent on weaving something marvellous out of that disaster? Love’s Beacon is a Nigerian contemporary loose retelling of the Hosea and Gomer story. Learn more about Iyanu on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 What happens when you take the Great War, train folks to be cryptographers and spies, and then send them home to live "normal lives" later?  Listen in to what Emma Donovan shows in her book, The Victory Party. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  First up--cover. Can I just say it' STUNNING?  I bought mine the minute we got off recording and... yeah. Still haven't read it but not for want of trying. Sooooooo looking forward to this one!  The Victory Party by Emma Donovan  The storm is coming. When the Great War ends, former cryptographer Lady Jill Morgan has only two things remaining: to host a house party for her brother and to decide her future. That changes when she receives a warning from her one-time employer that her guests may not be as they seem. Captain Richard Darnaway comes to Huntingtower with his own plans - plans that don't involve tracking traitors like he did during the war. But he finds he needs all his old skills when a perhaps-not-so-retired fellow agent is murdered.  Now Richard and Jill have to navigate a guest list of war heroes and supposedly retired spies to find out which one is a murderer... and a traitor. The Victory Party is a historical mystery with Christian themes and sweet, kisses only romance. Learn more about Emma on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss Thoughts from a Novelist on Substack. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

When Proverbs says we plan our ways but God directs our steps, it isn't kidding. Just ask Jenny and Ren!  Listen in to see what's happening in Washton in the Best Laid Plans book #2 note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I'm loving what Denise is doing with this series. I love that she's not only writing about a community of characters who will encourage you in your faith but also writing about people you can relate to--who have their own growing to do! A Slight Change of Plans by Denise M. Colby She believes she doesn’t matter Jenny Millard’s hopes for security and stability as a schoolmarm out west are dashed when her schoolhouse closes, and no positions are available nearby. With only enough money for a one-way train fare, Jenny heads to her friend’s home, uncertain of her next step. His scars have made him an unlovable outcast Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid the stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. When he comes across a lost stranger, he’s surprised when she doesn’t recoil at his appearance and even more so at his eagerness to assist her. As Jenny settles into the welcoming but small town of Washton, she can’t help but come across Ren, especially since his daily constitutional takes him along the same path. It doesn’t take long for them to form a connection that breaks down the walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, it seems their chance at happiness might be at risk. Will Jenny and Ren discover that they’re enough—for God … and each other? Learn more about Denise on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss the first interview with Denise.  Listen in HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 If you love beautiful, nature-filled stories that dig deep into the heart of lives so real you are certain you're invading someone's privacy, Cheryl Grey Bostrom may be the perfect author for you. Listen in and learn why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Talking with Cheryl Grey Bostrom a few weeks ago changed my upcoming book plans. Because guys, I NEED her books.  Her deep love of nature and life in her corner of the world shows in every word she speaks. What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom  In the beautiful Pacific Northwest, a young woman’s discovery of her hidden past illuminates her present in this new novel from the award-winning author of Sugar Birds, “an engrossing tale” (Kirkus Reviews), and Leaning on Air, “an exquisitely nuanced love story” (BookTrib). Hildy Nybo is a successful biologist, her study of the Pacific Northwest’s wild fish both a passion and a career. But behind her professional brilliance, Hildy’s reclusive private life reflects a childhood fraught with uncertainty. Despite her father’s love and her mother’s sympathy, she grew up constantly losing even her most cherished belongings, unable to recall where she misplaced them. Haunted by the confusion of those early years, she now records her life in detailed diaries and clings tightly to memory-prompting keepsakes. Then her mother’s health fails, and Hildy accepts a job near her childhood home, joining a team of scientists who will help restore her beloved Elwha River after the demolition of two century-old dams. There Hildy settles into one of the cabins on her family’s rustic resort—a place she both loves and dreads, for reasons she can’t fully explain. When local artist Miranda Rimmer rents an adjacent cabin for her pottery studio, Hildy shrinks from such a close neighbor. But then Miranda’s carpenter brother, Luke, shows up to help with construction and captures Hildy’s attention. Now a few years beyond a tragedy that brought him to his knees, Luke recognizes a kindred soul in Hildy, and they build a relationship that dismantles the walls Hildy’s built to keep people out. As troubling pieces of the past surface, Hildy dares to wonder if she can banish the shadows that have burdened her and follow her river’s course to freedom. A compelling story of forgiveness, redemption, and overcoming painful secrets that explores the beauty of the natural world A poignant and emotive contemporary novel perfect for fans of Delia Owens and William Kent Krueger Includes discussion questions for book clubs Learn more about Cheryl on her WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!