The Because Fiction Podcast

I don't know about you, but nothing says "Christmas is coming!" like a good cozy mystery full of all the Christmas things AND... maybe some yummy-sounding treat.  Listen in to see why Murder Goes Caroling did it for me! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Malissa and I had a great time chatting about her writing, how this book went, and even why she made some of the choices she did. We also got a tiny hint of future books and things. YAY! Furthermore, she shared how you can save a bit on her preorder, get it directly from her, and even about the merch and stuff she has in her online store.  Best of all, use  BecauseFiction with your order until September 30 for that discount!   Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin Ringing in the holidays just hit a sour note. With mayhem threatening to turn festive carols into dirges, can a gifted pianist unmask a nasty scrooge? Piper Haydn loves Christmas. Excited for her charming town’s upcoming celebrations, she refuses to leave anything to chance whether it be decorations or Christmas music. But she goes from rhythm to blues when she discovers the donated antique nativity set in her care has been senselessly vandalized. Fearing the wrath of the curmudgeon who donated the expensive display, the ever-meticulous woman grabs her artsy friend and dives in to investigate. And the case takes a humbug of a new twist when they arrive at the grumpy donor’s home to deliver some melodic cheer, only to find the door open and him out cold. Can Piper bring back the jingle by sleuthing out the slippery scoundrel? Learn more about Malissa 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!

Buckle up your seatbelts (and maybe grab a 3-point harness, too), because we're about to go on a wild ride with DiAnn Mills as we talk about her upcoming release, Lethal Standoff. Listen in to learn how we came up with a book idea while chatting! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I've always enjoyed DiAnn Mills' books, but boy, recently, they feel like they've kicked up an extra notch. Learn about her research, personal lessons she learned, and a nod to where things could go next.   Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills  Justice can be elusive. Family secrets can be deadly. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle. Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer. Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up. As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out. Award winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness. Get Lethal Standoff at 20% off from BakerBookHouse.com  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!

Author of a lovely variety of historical romances, Sara R. Turnquist has something for everyone--including a cool split-time series that has me mesmerized. Listen in to learn more! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I knew I'd be interested in Sara's books when I perused Amazon, but oh my gravy, I had no idea of the variety she offered. By the middle of our discussion, I'd already bought two of the audiobooks. This isn't uncommon, however, my eagerness to get started before we even finished talking? Yeah.  *whistles. I didn't... I didn't...   Laura, the Tycoon's Daughter by Sara R. Turnquist She 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? Learn more about Sara 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!

Carrie Turansky is back with another fabulous split-time novel, A Token of Love. This time we're looking at a foundling home and a journalist out to uncover well-hidden secrets. Listen in as Carrie talks about her research and get a hint at what isn't coming next! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  A total aside here, but aren't bookstores really orphanages for books seeking shelfie families?  History is riddled with the horrifying secrets within different foundling homes and orphanages, but it never ceases to amaze me when I hear of another one. Carrie Turansky described the museum she attended, the questions she asked, and everything needed to ensure this book was exactly what it should be. She even shared a bit about how she writes split-time novels... and why she is taking a break from them, too!   A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky Separated 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.  You can get it at 40% off through BakerBookHouse.com Learn more about Carrie Turansky on her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads To find her Facebook Group, go HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 Have you ever wondered what happens behind the microphone in an audiobook narrator's booth?  Listen in and see what Christa DelSorbo gets up to while narrating and how you can listen to some of her work FREE. Because the only thing better than a great audiobook is a FREE great audiobook, right? note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Christa DelSorbo is a dear friend who happens also to be my primary audiobook narrator.  She's done Southern women's fiction, romance, romantic suspense, historical Italian romance, historical mystery, and even a gritty suspense that borders on thriller--all clean and so far, all Christian fiction.  Christa talks about: how she got started what her process looks like the accents she enjoys (and her accent nemesis) the best and worst parts of her job crazy authors who dare to make her mouth do linguistic gymnastics (that'd be me!)  and more! But most important, she talked about her YouTube channel where you can listen to (so far) nine books FREE (and two more waiting to queue up in the next couple of months)! We'd both love it if you'd stop by  https://youtube.com/@ChristaDelSorbo and subscribe. It seems like such a small, silly thing, but it is the difference between her getting paid for her hard work or not so... pretty please?   Audiobooks narrated by ChristaDelSorbo Christmas on Breakers Point Dual Power of Convenience Bookers on the Rocks Flipping Hearts Finding a Memory Book, Chapter, & Vows The Last Gasp The Nutcracker's Secret A Ransomed Grete A Giant Murder Silencing the Siren Labor of Love Summer Cover Up Autumn Vindication Winter Deception Spring Betrayal Night Songs No Turning Back   Listen to Christa's narration FREE on YouTube.  Learn more about Christa on her WEBSITE and follow her on YouTube and Instagram. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Readers of mysteries and suspense tend to love that moment where justice is served, but Sarah Hamaker's Seeking Justice series picks up where justice failed her characters. Listen in and see why her newest release, Justice Delayed, zipped to the top of my TBR.  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Author of the Cold War Legacy series (amazing series. Definitely check it out!), Sarah Hamaker picks up a new series and kicks it off with a woman who served prison time for a crime she didn't commit and her determination to find out what did happen.   Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker  Journalist Brogan Gilmore had been a rising star when an unethical shortcut on a story leads to his fall from grace. A chance encounter with convicted murderer Melender Harman a few months after her release from prison provides Brogan with a chance for career redemption—if he can land an interview with her. After serving her 17-year sentence, Melender has one objective: To uncover the truth about what happened to her cousin the night the toddler disappeared. When Brogan pursues her for an exclusive story, she reluctantly agrees if he’ll help her reexamine the original investigation into Jesse’s presumed kidnapping and murder. While re-investigating the case, Brogan struggles to keep his objectivity as he begins to believe Melender is innocent of the crime—and starts to envision a possible future together. Then a shocking discovery throws their relationship—and investigation—into turmoil. As Brogan and Melender come closer to solving what happened to Jesse, will their budding relationship survive the truth? Learn more about Sarah on her WEBSITE and find Sarah Hamaker on GoodReads and BookBub, too! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

After talking with Ken Urbansky about his The Timeless Apostle, I think I've figured out my favorite way to read Biblicalish fiction!  If you do a time travel mashup and send someone back to interact with folks in that era... yes, please! Listen in to learn more about Ken and his books. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  The idea of going back in time to walk and talk with  Biblical characters and to see the reality of the Biblical account? It sounds amazing.  But Ken Urbansky hasn't just written this kind of spec-fic, he and a friend have also written a series that kind of mashes up supernatural Biblical ideas with Sci-fi!  WHAT???   I've got to try this out.   The Timeless Apostle by Ken Urbansky  Meet Tommy Evans, a college dropout who’s fed up with the hypocrisy of Christianity. He’d rather choose homelessness than live under his dad’s religious roof another day. But Tommy’s world is about to flip upside down overnight. One moment he’s rehashing a heated argument with his dad about the myth of Christianity, and the next, he’s waking up in the body of the apostle Thomas in ancient Galilee. Tommy is a total skeptic thrown into a world with a Jesus he doesn’t believe in! At first, he hopes it’s just a vivid dream, but the miracles and teachings around him are all too real. This Jesus? Not what he expected. The disciples? Absolutely nothing like he imagined. As Tommy grapples with the complexities of first-century Israel, Roman domination, and Jewish zealotry, Thomas’s life challenges everything he thought he knew about the bible. But Tommy knows something no other disciple does: Jesus is headed for a crucifixion. And he’s got a hunch he might have been divinely sent back in time to prevent it. Torn between saving his new friend and mentor and preserving the biblical timeline, he struggles to decide which choice will finally send him home. With revolution brewing and religious authorities scheming, Tommy must decipher his purpose before catastrophe strikes in Jerusalem. Will he radically rewrite history or let it run its course? Prepare for a heart-pounding journey through time, where one man’s decision can change the course of human history. Learn more about Ken on his WEBSITE and follow him on GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 When I learned that Sue Fairchild's Changing Tides deals with a widower learning to process his grief and shows the value of community, I was all in. When I learned it isn't a romance, I did a jig. Listen in to see what Sue has planned for this book and subsequent novels! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   With a cover that makes me wish for the days of travel agents where you would go in and show a picture and say, "I want to go there" (yes, I did that once), Changing Tides offers a beautiful story full of family, love, and community, but as I've already said (but have to say again) isn't a romance!   I love that Fairchild focused on friendship and community rather than trying to fill the gap left by a loved one with a replacement. That isn't a bad thing per see, but to see something different is a blessing. Also, that fantasy series by Danielle Harrington, the Hollis Timewire Series can be found HERE.  Changing Tides  by Sue Fairchild   The tide will come in no matter what you do. Eventually it’ll swallow you up if you don’t move with it. Gabriel Pechman has finally fulfilled his wife’s greatest dream — he’s quit his finance job and moved to the Outer Banks to live a life of peace and joy in the sun. Too bad his wife never lived to see it happen. After Ellie’s untimely death at the age of fifty-two, Gabe seeks to fulfill her wishes. Doing so does not erase his grief, however, but sometimes increases his loneliness as he struggles to create a new life without his beloved wife. The more he tries to fight the overwhelming grief he feels, the more it seems to haunt him. He soon discovers grief has no set end date and no set location — it follows you everywhere you go. Living in paradise also doesn’t protect Gabe from fresh sorrow. When a new friend suffers a heart attack and Gabe has the urge to run away from his pain, can he overcome the constantly changing tides of grief to be the friend the new widow needs or will he succumb to the waves? Learn more about Sue 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!

 Spinning has always fascinated me, but instead of "wool gathering," I turned to spinning stories. Well, Heather Wood has "spun a yarn" that promises to touch hearts, encourage faith, and show a bit of history--of our country and in the weaving industry. Listen in to learn more about Weaving Roots by Heather Wood. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   With a title like Weaving Roots, it isn't any wonder that this book is part of a multi-generational saga and about historical textile creation (sort of... that's a part of it anyway!). But listening to Heather tell about this woman, her nephew, and the brother who neglects him... oh my.  It broke my heart and made me eager to read all in one, all-too-short conversation.  Weaving Roots  by Heather Wood  Baltimore, 1828 Spinning. Turning flax to fine linen thread for her family’s weaving business keeps Betha’s hands occupied all day, but it’s the concerns spinning in her heart that never truly rest. How can she give her nephew Henry a secure, loving home when his father remains indifferent? How can she guide the boy who calls her “Ma” to know and follow the Lord for himself? And when past secrets and future changes collide, will she lose Henry altogether? Colm Gallagher is passionate about teaching boys using innovative educational methods. But is his kind and thorough instruction enough if he is not allowed to give his students the ultimate truth of God’s Word? Confronted by his student Henry Young and the boy’s lovely but determined aunt, Colm considers if he has allowed practical considerations to outweigh his deepest-held beliefs. Even as Betha and Colm are drawn to each other, family loyalties, financial pressures, and personal uncertainties push them further apart. Will the threads of their lives unravel or become knit together into something stronger? Weaving linen is her family’s legacy. Weaving roots of truth and grace is her calling. 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!

 When I spoke to Lori DeJong last year, her True Calling series captured my interest right away. I mean, it isn't often you read stories where people truly have to choose what the Lord wants or what they want even if it seems as though choosing God is deciding against self. But Lori is BACK and she has another story--this time of two people in love with polar opposite paths. Listen in to see how that goes! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  One of my favorite aspects of Love's True Calling was the center where students could gather in a safe place. Well, that's back in this book but with new characters to focus on. EEEP!   Learn how Lori wrote this series, when we might see the next, and more!  If you want to listen to Lori's first interview where we chatted about Love's True Calling, you can find that HERE.   Love's True Home by Lori DeJong  Allyson Kincaid needs roots. Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all she wants is home and hearth on American soil. Finally past the break-up with the man she’d thought was the love of her life, she’s ready to put herself back out there. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip in nearly two years dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. She’s been there, done that, and, although she supports him in his calling, knows his choice means she’ll be laying even more broken dreams, and a newly shattered heart, at the feet of Jesus. When Zane Carpenter relocates to Arlington, Texas, his seventh move in thirteen years, his only thought is to meet his obligation with Becker Ministries in a few months, then take a foreign mission assignment, his dream for the past several years. But working so closely with Ally in student ministry has him feeling things he’s never experienced. He’s ready for a future with her, until he accepts an opportunity to work on foreign soil and Ally stays behind. He knows God put him there for a reason, although his heart still longs for the girl back home. You can learn more about Lori (and join her newsletter!) on her WEBSITE. Find 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!

 Have you ever noticed that some authors do this annoying thing where they take what you thought was your favorite book and then tell you about another book coming and boom! You're all out of sorts because that one's totally going to be a favorite?  Well, now you know how I feel about Between the Sound and Sea. Listen in to see what book is the current fave and what probably will be.  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Oh, boy!  I don't think I've ever met anyone who didn't love a good lighthouse story, and notes from a log book tucked into the stone walls of a lighthouse?  Sign me up, please! Amanda shares her stories of going to the Outer Banks and chatting with a man who runs an antique store out of his house.  I've GOT to see that place!  Don't miss out on the GoodReads giveaway going on through August... something.    Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox  Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.     As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls--pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.   When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet.   Multiple Christy Award winner Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to risk it all for a chance at happiness in this timeless novel. Get Between the Sound and Sea for 40% off with free shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com through August 5, 2024 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!

 The Cape Cod Creamery series has been one of my favorites by Suzanne Woods Fisher, and can I just say I was disappointed when I realized I hadn't ordered Love on a Whim before chatting with Suzanne. Listen in to see what's in this book! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Oh, and can I just say that I was 100% wrong?  Yeppers. 100%. Bakerbookhouse.com says I absolutely did order it.  Finally found it.  Guess where?  Yeah! It was with the other two (already devoured) books.  I put the thing away. Who does that? But seriously, I knew I'd love this book before I read the synopsis, but that synopsis grabbed me in a stranglehold and wouldn't let go. Come on! A woman gets married "on a whim" to a guy she just met and then runs away?  To Cape Cod? Sign me up and take my money, please!   Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher  Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges. The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance. Psst... you can still get the book for 30% off with free shipping from BakerBookHouse.com (sorry... website is under maintenance as I type this, so I can't grab you a link). You can learn more about Suzanne from her WEBSITE.  Also, 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!

 What better book option for Jane Austen July could you ask for than a time travel, time-slip novel full of all the romance and elegance of Regency England through the eyes of a contemporary US protagonist? Listen in to learn more from Linore Rose Burkard! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Beware shawls! You never know what they'll do to you?  Linore Rose Burkard has created a fabulous series full of wonderful characters and unique settings that converge in this portal time-travel series.     Forever Lovely by Linore Rose Burkard  This sequel can be read as a stand-alone. 1819, England Miss Margaret Andrews’ sister disappeared into the future three years ago and Margaret hasn’t seen her since. Julian St. John brings her to visit, but only for a day since his wife Claire is about to give birth to their first child. He doesn’t know Margaret’s real desire is to find a modern invention to bring back with her. A bluestocking by nature and lacking her sister’s famous beauty, Margaret knows she must make her way in society by becoming an inventress. But when the tallit, the magical time-travel shawl, goes awry, she finds herself alone and stranded in 21st-century New York City! Present Day, Manhattan Stewart Russell is a grad student studying early British female writers when he meets Margaret at a Jane Austen Society Conference in New York. Margaret is mistaken for an attendee but fits right in. Stewart is thrilled by her knowledge of the writers he’s studying, almost as much as her effortless acting with the speech and manners of Jane’s day. Until she claims to be from Jane’s day! Worse, he is a wanted man due to a mix-up, and time is running out. Margaret longs to keep him safe from the blackguards pursuing him, but first she must convince him she really is from the past. But when she can’t even get herself back to 1819, how can she hope to bring Stewart too? It’s a race against time, and she must find a way before the unthinkable happens! If you enjoyed the time-travel romance of Outlander, then you'll love Margaret and Stewart's story in Forever Lovely. Buy now before the price changes! Learn more about Linore on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss out on Linore's book (and the other eleven) in the Once Upon a Courtship collection. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 The Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing comes to a close with Amanda Cabot's upcoming release of Into the Starlight. Listen in to learn more about the series and about the mystery that has kept us all curious as we read through this series! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  This whole series has fascinated me since the first time Amanda and I chatted about it.  I was certain that book two, After the Shadows would be my favorite, but... I don't know. Now that I hear more from Amanda about this book, I'm not so sure. Add to that learning that there will be a Christmas novella available for preorder soon (don't forget to sign up for her newsletter so you can find out when it goes live!), and well... come on!  EEEP!   Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot  After 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. Into the Starlight is 40% off with FREE US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com through July 15th! Learn more about Amanda 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!

Patricia Raybon has such a compelling author voice, and combined with rich characters and historically riveting settings, her Annalee Spain mystery series keeps readers on their toes. Listen in to learn what inspires Patricia's writing and what you may learn from it. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  One of the coolest things about Patricia Raybon's writing is that it shows part of American history that we don't often see. We're familiar with KKK activity in the South, but Denver?   Add to that a character who is a theologian with her own family secrets to uncover even as she works to find out who killed someone and why, and the story grips you from page one and won't let you go. Additionally, Patricia's handling of racial tensions and atrocities serve to educate without being preachy.  She handles these situations in a compassionate and intelligent way, offering readers a look into history that can be tough to encounter. I for one, can't wait for the next... and the next... and...   Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon Denver's newest detective. A garden's deadly secrets. On 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 Secret Third installment in the Annalee Spain series Includes discussion questions for book groups You can find out more about Patricia 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've never heard of the Acadians, you're in for a beautiful treat in The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz. Listen in and hear why I am excited for this book and her upcoming release this month note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I've seen Laura Frantz's books for years, and had even bought a couple. But when another author told me to read her Courting Morrow Little, I knew this gal someone I need to read.  And learning how hard it is to find that book, I went to eBay and bought another copy just in case.   Laura talked a lot about the history of the Acadians but ALSO about another book coming out soon (that is related to The Rose and Thistle... I think?)  We recorded months ago, so I might have gotten that wrong.  The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz  As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands. As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future. And don't miss her upcoming release: A Matter of Honor Available July 24, 2024 Having grown up at Wedderburn Castle in the serene Scottish Lowlands, Orin Hume is thrust into the dazzling realm of London society and Court circles as Poet Laureate of Britain. But at the height of his fame a former tragedy and his ties to a lass he once loved lead him home to Berwickshire again. When his return is further marred by lost love letters and scheming kin who conspire to keep the pair apart, can Lady Maryn Lockhart, now Duchess of Fordyce, forgive him? Or will the shadows of the past and the complexities of the present rewrite their love story? Learn more about Laura 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 knows I LOVE a good play on words, and when I listened to the audio sample of The Gardins of Edin, I was so excited that it really was a perfect one. But that's nothing to the story that unfolds in this book. Listen in to discover why Rosey Lee wrote this book. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   What could be cooler than four women of the Bible inspiring characters in a contemporary novel--four women who weren't ALL contemporaries of each other!  You have Ruth and Naomi "types" and... Mary and Martha "types.  Whoa.   A huge, multi-million-dollar business and a matriarch and a family who doesn't accept a daughter-in-law.  Wow.  It sounds amazing, and I can't wait to read it. My copy is here (Thank you, Rosey Lee!) and my audiobook is on my phone.   The Gardins of Edin by Rosey Lee When the bonds in their family begin to fray, four Black women fight to preserve their legacy, heal their wounds, and move forward together in this heartwarming contemporary debut novel with loose parallels to beloved women from the Bible. The four women of the Gardin family live side-by-side in Edin, Georgia, but residing in tight proximity doesn’t mean everything is picture-perfect. Ruth runs the family’s multimillion-dollar peanut business, a legacy of the Gardins’ formerly enslaved ancestors. But tensions have intensified since the death of her husband, Beau, and she feels like an outsider in the very place she wishes to belong. Sisters Mary and Martha fuel the family tension. Martha’s unfounded mistrust of Ruth causes her to constantly seek ways to undermine Ruth’s decisions with the business, while Mary, trying to focus on her new restaurant that serves healthy comfort food, is dragged into the family fray by Martha. For years, Naomi, the matriarch who raised the sisters after their parents’ death and supported Ruth in her grief, has played peacemaker. But as she decides to take a step back, hidden truths, life-and-death circumstances, and escalating clashes finally force the Gardin women to grapple with what it means to be a family. A heartwarming Southern story of family and all its many complexities, The Gardins of Edin delivers a thoughtful portrayal of four women trying to hold on to their secrets. Women who just might—if they can only let go—find the peace they seek by holding on to one another. Learn more about Rosey 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!

You'll never look at postcards or silver cars the same in Laura Thomas' new romantic suspense, Captured in Frame. Listen in to learn all about Laura's new series, its cool location, and what we'll see with these three sisters. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   When Laura and I chatted about her upcoming release, Captured in Frame, I hadn't yet read it, but I have now, and wow.  A blend of edge-of-your-seat moments, wild rides (literally) and a total Wuthering Heights moment, the mystery will keep you on your toes even while you try to keep Laura's characters on theirs. Rich in faith and local culture, you won't want to miss this series.   Captured in Frame by Laura Thomas  In an idyllic village nestled in the English countryside, photographer Georgia Brooks is desperate to begin a new chapter in her life. Bramble Cottage was supposed to give her space to heal and hope again after suffering betrayal and rejection by the only man she ever loved. This was Georgia’s chance to rekindle her faith and reconnect with her sisters in a place that held sweet childhood memories—not expose herself to the ugly underbelly of the art world and put her family in danger. Local pediatric surgeon, Doctor William Hughes, is captivated by the Canadian beauty with a camera over one shoulder and the weight of the world on the other. After suffering his own tragic loss and balancing a demanding career with raising a toddler, he recognizes the heaviness of grief . . . and the burden of guilt. When Georgia discovers she could be in possession of incriminating evidence to frame a criminal ring, she needs to trust someone. She chooses Will. Postcards, photographs, paintings—something about Bramble Cottage is worth killing for. Can Georgia uncover the truth in time? Learn more about Laura 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!

Chatting with Kay DiBianca is always a delight, and this award-winning author also has my all-time favorite opening scene of a book. Totally because of the characters. And now she's written a novel including a pilot! Listen in to learn more about her and Lacey's Star. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Kay and her husband just won awards for their respective stories, and when you listen to the episode, you can see why. This time a pilot is put in some seriously scary situations while Kay works through a mystery with her reader. EEEP!   The faith element is found as the result of a chance meeting with a minister. The Vietnam war vet finds a note in his little sister's Bible that kicks off the whole investigation.  She then gives us quite a few book ideas for our (or is it just my?) ever-growing TBR. Lacey's Star by Kay DiBianca Get in, sit down, buckle up, and hang on! Private pilot Cassie Deakin lands in the middle of an unwanted adventure when she discovers her beloved Uncle Charlie has been attacked and seriously injured by thieves.  But Cassie has a problem. She doesn't know who she can trust. Still, she's determined to solve the mystery behind the assault on her uncle, so she reluctantly agrees to team up with Deputy Frank White, a man she definitely does not trust, to find the culprits. But as Cassie and Frank peel back the layers of one mystery, they uncover a deeper and more sinister crime: the murder of an eight-year-old girl decades earlier. Armed with only a single, cryptic clue to the death of young Lacey Alderson, Cassie makes a crucial discovery that lands her in the crosshairs of a murderer. Learn more about Kay on her  WEBSITE and follow her  on GoodReads and BookBub. Also, Chautona asks, and Denise answers! The name of the musical adaptation of The Odyssey is EPIC: The Musical by Jorge Rivera-Herrans. He's released five sagas so far and plans to release at least one more this year. You can find them on most music-streaming platforms! Please note: This is a secular musical, so there are a few uses of mild profanity. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 What if you were one of the unnamed people who Jesus (sometimes through His people) healed?  D. M. Griffin explores the lives of those affected by those healings. Listen in and see what you'll find in these intriguing Biblical fiction novels. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Coming out one after the other, The Encounter Series looks at four women and their contact with the power of Jesus to change lives in both a physical and a spiritual way.  By the time we got done talking, I was sold on the series. Book three comes out tomorrow and book four in just a few months. No long wait!   The Crooked Daughter by D. M. Griffin   Choices her father made before she was even born reached a bony finger into her life, clouding her future with hopelessness. Her father’s cold heart had no room for her. He easily cast her aside when the Law permitted it. Defined as an outcast because of a physical infirmity, Priscilla was told death was her destiny. Despite the limited perspective brought about by years of adversity, Priscilla fought to keep hope alive and wait for the Lord's timing. Aquila lost his father at the most critical time in his life. Battling against grief and bitterness, Aquila uncovers a secret about his father's death that undermines his faith in a religious system that identified him. Driven from his homeland, Aquila becomes someone he no longer recognizes. Two people whose perspectives are skewed by adversity become divinely intertwined in mysterious ways. As they wait upon the Lord for His timing, would Priscilla and Aquila ever find the truth that would lift their eyes to the hills so they could see the purpose of life, not only between a man and a woman but between God and His creation? A poignant story about how God uses adversity for good in the lives of those who truly love and trust Him. Learn more about Demi 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!