The Because Fiction Podcast

When I learned about Sharon Srock’s Crafted with Love series, I knew I wanted to know more.  As an avid crafter myself, a series about a bunch of different artisans… eeep! Listen in to what kinds of women you’ll meet in this series! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I love the concept for this series, but when I learned that Sharon’s next release was about a guy who comes back from the Vietnam War to find his sweetheart married to someone else, I couldn’t be more excited. I mean, it’s not the same story as the one I wrote, but it had so many similarities I knew I’d have to read it. EEEP!   Ruthie (Crafted with Love #7) by Sharon Srock YOUNG LOVE FOUND. In 1970, seventeen-year-old Ruthie Arnold found the love of her life. Six months later, she lost him to the horror and confusion of war. With Elliott missing and presumed dead, Ruthie had no choice but to go on—carrying regrets and secrets she never dared tell another soul. Even though she eventually built a good life with a good man, the decisions she made in her youth haunt her. THE RAVAGES OF WAR. When Elliot Drake returned to the states in 1975, he searched for Ruthie. He found her—happily married and expecting a child. Though it broke his heart, he never contacted her. What good would it do to insert himself into her life after she’d moved on without him? CAN GOD HEAL THE WOUNDS THAT TIME HASN’T TOUCHED? A chance meeting forty-five years later brings a widowed Ruthie Gates back into Elliott’s life. He’s convinced that God orchestrated their reunion. Ruthie isn’t so sure. If she follows where her heart is leading, she’ll have to be honest about events that she’s never shared with anyone. Her secrets could drive a wedge between her and everyone she holds dear, including the man she never stopped loving. Family Second chances Found family Secrets Mature love and loss   Learn more about 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!

The riveting cover grabbed my attention. While not exactly what you expect for Biblical fiction, it had something that most Biblical fiction covers don’t. It asked a question as if taunting me to accept a challenge. “What’s in here?” it seemed to whisper.  Well, after a chat with Sarah Talbert, I now know. Listen in and see why I think the book sounds awesome and why I love a cover that might surprise some. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Biblical fiction like you’ve not seen before.  That’s what I’m calling this.  I have no idea if I’m right about that, of course. I haven’t read it yet since it doesn’t release until April 30, 2024. Still, it says it’ll be in Kindle Unlimited then, so I plan to read it asap. Because come on!  Look, we all know the familiar Bible stories of Abram from Ur of the Chaldees. About his wife Sari, and how they became Abram and Sarah.  We know God moved them from Ur because of how ugly things had become.  But… what about those people left behind? We often don’t realize the horrors they lived through, and Sarah Talbert has tackled that through the eyes of a fictional girl grieving for a sacrificed brother.  If that doesn’t grab you, well… why not? LOL!   Secrets of the Wildflowers by Sarah Talbert  In the heart of ancient Ur, Secrets of the Wildflowers unfolds the captivating tale of Miu, a spirited young woman determined to bloom amid the constraints of her culture, family, and the ancient deities that hold sway. When tragedy strikes, and her beloved brother becomes a sacrifice to the gods, Miu embarks on a courageous journey to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and unearth her true purpose. Motivated by the resilient wildflowers that grow wherever they please, Miu is driven to forge her own path and make her name great. As Miu navigates running her own tavern, friendship with an unlikely courier, and supporting an abandoned child, she finds herself crossing paths with Abram, a figure of significance from the Bible. After losing and redefining freedom, Miu discovers that true freedom is found in working together with others and utilizing her God-given skills within a relationship with a loving God. In a world where Miu's determination clashes with a strong religious culture, the story explores themes of true freedom, faith, and the transformative power of a healthy community. Secrets of the Wildflowers is a mesmerizing journey through the ancient city of Ur, where the seeds of rebellion sprout alongside the wildflowers, and the roots of faith run deep. Secrets of the Wildflowers appeals to readers who crave a story of adventure, strong female leads, and characters evolving in their faith.   Learn more about on her WEBSITE and follow her 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!

 Wow. If you love Alaska, seeing life through that rugged lens, and fiction that shines God's light on dark and/or difficult topics, then I think Maryann Landers is a great author to check out. Listen in and see why I listened to her newest release, A Call to Embrace within days of recording this episode. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Maryann Landers, like many authors, is inspired by people, places, and events she's seen first hand. Taking one or more of those elements and weaving a story that points readers to Jesus, she's not afraid to tackle difficult topics.  But on top of those things, she also gives a realistic glimpse of life in a place that is very different from most of our own lives. I have to admit that I shivered as I read A Call to Embrace. Alaska can be cold, so if nothing else, read it this summer if the AC goes out!   A Call to Embrace by Maryann Landers  She’s detached in a stormy marriage because of both of their unfaithfulness. Now she faces the aftermath of her compromise with an unwanted pregnancy. Will fleeing bring her the freedom she yearns for? Emily Corentin wants to escape the jagged edges of her brokenness. She believes the only option she has is to take her young daughter, leave her husband, and end the unintended pregnancy with an abortion. But her plans take an unexpected turn when the homeless shelter she finds is not the type of help she wanted. She’d buried religion years ago with the death of her Gran. Any God-fearing place will only confirm how much God abandoned her. An offer from a shelter volunteer may be the lifeline she and her daughter need, but Emily only sees it as a means to an end. The unlikely friendship that follows, draws her closer to the answers she may have carried with her all along. But rash decisions bring new challenges that drag her further into a sea of helplessness. When all hope is lost in despair will she be washed away by the patterns of her past? Or will she answer the call to embrace the mercy of the cross and in turn bring reconciliation to her marriage? Learn more about on  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!

I love a great western, but there aren't that many in Christian fiction anymore, but I had a chat with a new-to-me author, Bethany Klassen about her book, Sins of the Past. Listen in why I promptly ordered the book! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Set in Texas, Bethany Klassen's Sins of the Past explores a man hiding from a past he doesn't want to confront. We chatted about our love for western fiction, about her research process, books she enjoys, and more. Sins of the Past by Bethany Klassen One deadly mistake, one searching heart, one redeeming truth… Matthew Ellison escapes his dangerous lifestyle to take refuge in the small town of Albury, Texas. Wanting only to forget his past and the pain associated with it, he settles into the community with hopes of a new beginning. But danger has a way of following him, and Matthew soon has to make a decision – leave town, or stay and protect it. Emma Royce travels West with her brother after her heart is broken by the man she thought she loved. With a new home and new friends, she’s ready to start over. Before Emma has a chance to gain her footing, however, she has stumbled into a dark and puzzling mystery – the new stranger in Albury. Learn more about Bethany 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 chatted with JPC Allen about their Riley Rae series, I hadn't read a word. Well, I've read it since chatting, and can I just say that if all YA series were like this, I'd read more YA?  Listen in to see why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  YA can sometimes be an emotionally angsty book choice, but Jennifer balanced her story in a way that didn't have that over-the-top feel you sometimes get. Instead, you get an excellent mystery full of fun twists and a bit of suspense, too. Jennifer suggested that you read the novella, A Rose from the Ashes from the Christmas Off the Beaten Path anthology before reading A Shadow on the Snow or the sequel, A Storm of Doubts. I agree. While I didn't feel lost at all while reading A Shadow on the Snow, I could tell it would've been a richer reading experience if I had read it first.   I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series. Definitely. A Storm of Doubts by J.P.C. Allen Her dad said nothing could hurt their relationship. But what if he isn’t her dad? Summer gets off to a rocky start for twenty-year-old Rae Riley when the ex-wife of family friend Jason Carlisle claims their youngest child isn’t his and Rae’s con man uncle Troy returns to Marlin County, Ohio. Rae is already at odds with her father, Sheriff Walter “Mal” Malinowski, over her desire to help people in trouble. When she extends that help to Uncle Troy and Jason’s ex-wife, Ashley, she and Mal clash even more. Then Ashley disappears, and Jason and his brother Rick are the main suspects. As Rae and her aunt Carrie, a private investigator hired to protect Jason’s kids, work to discover what really happened to Ashley, Rae wrestles with Troy’s insinuations that she may be calling the wrong Malinowski “Dad.” 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!  

When I met Xochitl Dixon at a Christian Writer's Conference back in like 2017ish, I had no idea that seven or so years later, I'd be chatting with her on my podcast (didn't know what they were back then) about her children's picture books!  All I knew was an amazing woman who spent the whole time praying for everyone. She was a blessing then, and she was a blessing the night we had our chat. Listen in and see what I mean. Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Did You Ever Think, "I Bet God Loves Color?"  You Will Now! Author of the delightful, Different Like Me, Xochitl Dixon has another wonderful children's book available. This one celebrates color and the unique ways those colors represent God's love.   Trust me, you'll never look at gray the same again.  Oh, and black!  It was my favorite color for a day or two back in third grade (learn why in the interview), and it's kind of my favorite again now.  Just sayin'. Hear Xochil's story about how God used a passion flower to encourage her during difficult times and how picture book came about. Hint: Wisconsin definitely gets some credit and not even #BecauseCheeseCurds! What Color Is God's Love by Xochitl Dixon This playful rhyming picture book invites young readers to discover all the ways God’s love can be displayed through a rainbow of colors. All the colors displayed in this world that God made— every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade— show how good God is and will always be. But what is the color of love? Come and see! God created all the colors in the world, and in each one, we can discover how great His love is for us and how we can let that love shine to others! With each turn of the page, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple—and explores a different attribute and expression of love through its many shades. Learn more about Xochitl Dixon on her WEBSITE.  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 Ashlyn McKayla Ohm about her upcoming release, Why the Mountains Stand, reminded me of how often I see myself in characters and learn from their lessons (and hopefully avoid having to make some of the same mistakes in the process). Listen in to how that happened for Ashlyn in this episode. Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. This Time She's Climbed All the Way to Canada! As if the Rockies weren't enough, Ashlyn Ohm takes us to Canada where Addison will coach a difficult athlete... and deal with some of her own issues along the way.  We talked about the way Ashlyn related to her character, and how she kept trying to downplay some of the issues that needed to be addressed.  Ouch. Been there/done that. She also shared about her upcoming poetry collection, High Country Hymnal, featuring mountain-inspired poetry of all kinds.  Then, she's going back to fiction and going to explore some of the side characters from the Climbing Higher series.  EEEP! Why the Mountains Stand by Ashlyn McKayla Ohm Coaching figure skating at an athletic center in Whistler, Canada, seems like a dream come true to Addisyn Miles—especially since it offers an opportunity to pursue her relationship with Darius, the man who’s become more than a friend. But her excitement fades when she’s assigned to coach Darius’s troubled cousin. Withdrawn and turbulent, Kenzie Howard is also an unsettling reminder of Addisyn’s own shadowed past. But when Kenzie rediscovers a local legend, Addisyn realizes that there’s more at stake than either of them expected. Helping Kenzie means risking her job at the center and even her relationship with Darius…but it could also set Addisyn free from the shame she’s carried for years. Kenzie has spent a lifetime walking the tightrope of perfection—until she crashed. The legend offers the only faint hope of escaping the nightmare her life has become, but to discover the truth, she’ll have to trust an unlikely ally: Addisyn. As the girls come closer to the brink of discovery, Kenzie’s secrets begin to unravel. Now, they’re both faced with a choice: allow the scars of their past to destroy them both…or finally see the purpose beyond their shared pain. A tale of redemption and restoration, Why the Mountains Stand is the climactic finale to the Climbing Higher series, celebrating the healing power of friendship and the transformative promise of faith. To learn more, visit Ashlyn's  WEBSITE.  Also follow her on GoodReads and BookBub! You can listen to her previous episodes HERE and HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Having been a long-time fan of Lynn Austin, I was thrilled to get to have a chat with her about her new, Gilded-Age generational saga, All My Secrets. Listen in as we chat about favorite books, the impact the women in our lives have on us, and what it means to trust the Lord's plan for our lives. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Why I Love When Great Authors Write in Multiple Genres! Look, I get it when an author finds his or her niche and can carve out a whole career writing fresh, new ideas in that one area. It's a skill I envy and definitely do have.  Because of that, when I run across an author like Lynn Austin who has written in just about any era, it's comforting. Someone else gets it.   The more we talked about her book, Eve's Daughters (psst... read it! Even if you already have!), the more certain I am that it's not just my favorite--it's also the first of hers I read. I'm sure of it! But when she described one of her Biblical fiction series as "All you ever wanted to know about Hezekiah," I decided I had to have them. #BecauseHezekiah! From the days of good ol' Hezzie all the way to present, her books deal with the plans God has for us and what happens when we follow (or don't) those plans. All My Secrets by Lynn Austin Bestselling author Lynn Austin returns with a luminous work of historical fiction set amid the opulence of Gilded Age New York, where three generations of women in one family must reckon with the choices they have made and their hopes for the future. New York, 1898. The only thing more shocking than Arthur Stanhope III’s unexpected death is the revelation that his will bestows his company―and most of the vast fortune that goes with it―to the nearest male heir, leaving his mother, wife, and daughter nearly impoverished. His widow, Sylvia, quickly realizes she must set aside her grief to ensure their daughter, Adelaide, is launched into society as soon as the appropriate mourning period passes. If Sylvia can find a wealthy husband for Addy before anyone realizes they’re practically destitute, there will be little disruption to the lifestyle they’re accustomed to. Sylvia’s mother-in-law, Junietta, believes their life could use a little disruption. She has watched Sylvia play her role as a society wife, as Junietta once did, despite what it cost them both. Junietta vows to give her granddaughter the power to choose a path beyond what society expects. But for Addy to have that chance, both mother and grandmother must first confront painful truths about their own choices. Only in bringing their secrets to light can they hope to reshape their family inheritance into a legacy more fulfilling than they ever dared dream. Stand-alone Christian historical romance from Christy Award Hall of Fame author Historical drama full of complex family dynamics Perfect for fans of Eve’s Daughters and other family sagas Includes discussion questions for book clubs Learn more about Lynn Austin at her WEBSITE. And don't forget to 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 love modern marriages of convenience, redeemed characters, and Dancing with the Stars you'll want to check out Karin Beery's books. Listen in to see which of these you'll find in her most recent book, Finally Forever. Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Waltz Through This Romance with a Few Laughs, Too! Author of a few books that have now made it onto my TBR, Karin Beery approaches life with humor and her books with kisses. Or rather, she expects kisses in those books. I say she's Pepper Basham's long-lost northern twin! We chatted about how we met spouses, what tropes are fun, and what we love to read in good books.  From her modern marriage of convenience thanks to an accidental will goof up, to a fun "redeem the obnoxious "villain," to sports romcom meets ballroom dancing, she's got a stack of 'em. Finally Forever by Karin Beery Former competitive dancer Caroline Novak dreams of leaving the corporate world to work with special needs women at the Pathways nonprofit, but the organization can’t afford a fulltime director. All-American defensive end Ben Allen was on his way to the NFL when a knee injury sent him home and into the same office as Caroline, his best friend’s older sister. When Pathways participates in a Dancing with the Stars-inspired fundraiser, Caroline quickly volunteers, and Ben joins her as the local “star.” It doesn’t take long for Ben to realize it’s more than a dance competition, and Caroline is more than his best friend’s sister, but after two failed engagements, she’s hesitant to trust her heart with another man. When the NFL calls Ben, it looks like his dream might finally come true—but it could cost them the championship and Caroline her heart. Learn more about Karin 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!

I had a blast chatting with Malissa Chapin about her split-time novel, her Christmas novella, and especially her cozy mystery series. Listen in to what happens when you need to know if a body fits in a piano crate! Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Ever wondered how often authors get something wrong and have to change a story? Ever wonder if we ever put our favorite places in our books? What about when we decide to put something in that isn't quite so?  Or if we write a book because we loved cover art and had to tell that story? Talking with Malissa Chapin gave me insight not only into her writing and researching process but also into her books. I didn't know she had a split-time women's fiction story that sounds AMAZING. But she does.  And I also didn't know the next Piper Hayden mystery would be a Christmas book.  Now you know, too! And having a mutual friend "introduce" us... even though she didn't? Priceless. Murder Goes Glamping by Malissa Chapin She’d rather play a sonata than huddle around a campfire. But when homicide takes the stage, can she bring down the curtain on a killer? Piper Haydn enjoys the finer things in life. Coming from wealth, the music academy owner refuses to let her friend drag her out glamor camping until the handsome local police chief’s teasing strikes the wrong chord. And returning to the campground late after a piano conference, her panic hits a crescendo when she stumbles on a dead body. Fleeing in horror and now suspected of committing the evil deed, the terrified thirty-something dives into the investigation to clear her name. Yet with her artsy hippie pal missing, an unpleasant sheriff eager to slap the cuffs on her, and a murderer still on the loose, she fears snooping around could lead to a deadly encore. Can Piper piece together the cacophony of clues before her next concerto is played behind bars? Murder Goes Glamping is the charming second book in the Piper Haydn Piano Mysteries cozy series. If you like amateur sleuths, loyal friends, and surprising twists, then you’ll love Malissa Chapin’s cutthroat cadenza. Buy Murder Goes Glamping to orchestrate the perfect crime today! 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!

Ahh... I thought I'd found all the episodes that got lost in the wake of the great mess that was my December, but guys. I found another one. You missed out on the exciting rom-com series that I got to chat about with Jordan Millsaps back in... October I think! But I found episodes and checked and yep. She was supposed to be early December... and it never happened.  Here she is with fun stories that I'm still excited to talk about! (Sorry, Jordan!) note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. When Flash Fiction Sparks a Whole New Writing Path Jordan Millsaps started off writing historical romance, but if you look at her debut novels... they're not.  They're contemporary rom-com and they sound hilarious. While I'm eager to read both, of course, I have to admit that March or not, I'm diving into The Holiday Exchange the moment I finish my current rom-com.  See, this is what I get for holding out for Christmas last October. Christmas was derailed and I missed out. Well no more! But if a guy with social anxiety and a teacher needing his help aren't calling to you, what about a guy needing a date to his brother's wedding... to his ex-fiancee?  I mean, come on!  This Boyfriend in the Bargain series promises to be a whole lot of fun.  If you doubt me, check out the synopses!   But... one tiny good thing has happened out of my fiasco with getting her episode out... Jordan's next book is coming out in just two weeks!  That's right! The Parenting Pact releases on April 2, and it's up for preorder now!  The Parenting Pact by Jordan Millsaps Being a single parent isn’t easy. Finding love as a single parent? That’s not even on my radar. I’ve been parenting my son on my own for five years since my husband passed. But now that I’ve started my own interior design business, I’m beginning to realize I could use some extra help. What I need is a partner, someone to share the day-to-day logistics of running a house, raising a kid, and operating my business. What I don’t need is to complicate my life with romance, no matter what my best friend says. When I meet Chris, a single dad from my neighborhood, I get a crazy idea. My plan is definitely outside the box, but I think we can make it work – as long as I can keep things platonic. But Chris is patient, persistent, passionate…all the P-words that make staying only friends harder than I thought it would be. The Parenting Pact is book #2 in the Boyfriend in the Bargain series but can be read as a standalone. What to expect from The Parenting Pact: Dual POV Friends-to-more He falls first Single parents Love after loss Closed door/kissing only Trigger warning for discussion of loss of a spouse/parent Learn more about Jordan Millsaps on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. And if you missed her Christmas Book Guide we talked about, you can find that HERE.  Christmas in July is coming... Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Marie Sontag writes youth fiction blending fictional characters with historical people to create a great story. From ancient times to westward expansion to WWII Poland, her books make history come alive. Listen in to what you'll find in her latest series! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. In Difficult Times, People of All Ages Discover Their True Characters The first time I chatted with Marie Sontag (listen HERE), I learned about her Ancient Elements series and her Whitcomb Discoveries series, but in this episode, we heard all about the exciting WWII series (and a companion graphic novel) she has featuring Polish Boy Scouts.  How cool is that? Oh, and we learned about what she's doing with the Cold War, too. EEEP! Underground Scouts by Marie Sontag Warsaw, Poland September 8, 1939 Their scoutmaster's chair squeaked as he shifted his weight. "What I am about to ask from all of you is a personal sacrifice on behalf of Poland. Your final decision is, of course, up to you. You must each make your own decision." A hush filled the room. The Scouts' pale faces betrayed the struggle that plagued them all. Tadzio broke the spell. "I mean no disrespect, Professor. I don't know why my father had to leave, but since he's gone, my family is my priority." Squaring her shoulders, Magdalena inched forward on her chair. "And earlier this week my father's brother and his wife were killed when a bomb hit their apartment building in Warsaw." Her voice quivered. "Now, we're also caring for our orphaned 11-year-old cousin, Józefina." Tadzio nodded. "Since I am the eldest son, my first responsibility is to my family." "Well spoken, son." Professor Handelsman studied Tadzio over the top of his glasses. "What about the rest of you?" Tadzio's patrol leader, Andrzej, spoke first. "This is what we've prepared for all summer. The Scout training we received in the Kampinos Forest these past few months-first aid, food storage, water purification, map reading skills, Morse Code, riflery-it all prepared us for this moment. I will give my all for Poland." Lech smoothed back his thick, black hair. "Andrzej's right. It's time to take a stand." First Lech, then Andrzej, and finally Lech's younger brother, Stefan, rose to their feet with raised chins, they punched their fists into the air and shouted in unison. "Czuwaj! Be vigilant! Stay awake! Be prepared!" Tadzio and Magdalena weren't prepared for their Polish Scoutmaster's challenge. Not until their parents disappeared. A Young Adult historical novel, Underground Scouts brings to light the brave efforts of Polish Boy Scouts and Girl Guides who fought alongside the Polish Underground during World War II. Learn more about Marie on her WEBSITE (and learn about her group of Christian youth authors) and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. My apologies to Marie for the lateness of her episode. It was supposed to release about the time of my husband's accident, and I just realized it never did!  AAAK! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

While not technically a debut author, Laura Conaway is, however, a debut Love Inspired Suspense author!  Her book, Silencing the Witness just came out in January. Listen in to see why I am extra excited about this one! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. What Is It about Photo Recognition Suspense Novels, Anyway? Look, I don't know about you, but ever since I read Dee Henderson's Danger in the Shadows, I've loved a story where someone just happens to snap just the right photo at just the right time and it's seen by just the wrong person. Laura Conaway has a new book out where that very thing happens in a totally different way, and I'm down for it.  Like, where's my book??? (spoiler: on my shelf!) We chatted about how Laura got the idea for Silencing the Witness, about the faith in the book and... About what's coming.  And guys... buy some earplugs, because I owe her a rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."  That's all I'm sayin'! Well, that and don't miss the "attempted murder" on the cover of this book! Silencing the Witness by Laura Conaway. A protected witness is exposed… the race is on to keep her alive. When her photo is leaked in the local paper, Avery Sanford’s identity in witness protection is compromised. She's the key witness to a murder, and a ruthless drug ring will stop at nothing to silence her. With attackers on her tail, Avery has no choice but to accept the help of former army commander Seth Brown. But keeping Avery alive long enough to testify could be the end for them both…  From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Last time I talked to Antony Barone Kolenc, I was enthralled with the idea of his Harwood Mysteries.  Well, all those awards he's won, I think the books live up to the idea, don't you?  Well, with a new one released at the end of last year and another coming this year, plus another book and a new series in the works... well, listen in. We've got a lot to talk about. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. These Are Exactly My Favorite Kinds of Mysteries! Let's see... an era or situation I'm not familiar with... interesting characters... rich faith woven in naturally... a nun who just looks at a crucifix to answer the question, "Why do I have to suffer like this...?"  Um... YEAH! Antony Barone Kolenc has really knocked it out of the park with this series. Set in the 12th Century, these young folks deal with a variety of issues, and even have to travel to Portugal in one!  EEEP! His newest book, Murder at Penwood Manor, we're looking at crusaders and murders, and oh my!  Life-changing stuff going on (and a bit of age-appropriate romance as well!).   Like a lot of middle-grade fiction, this series grows with the kids reading it, so what was upper middle grade in the beginning becomes lower YA by the end.  I love that he's done this.  Because Kolenc is a conscientious writer, father, and Christian, younger advanced readers binging the series won't be subjected to the garbage often found in YA stuff while the stories will still keep the attention of teens.  A win all around. Kolenc also talked about another book he released just yesterday, Penny and the Stolen Chalice. This is for younger middle-grade readers and features non-Catholic Penny who is determined to find out who stole the Eucharist chalice during Mass.  Note: Non-Catholic parents should read reviews to be prepared to discuss the theological ideas in the book. Finally, we got a sneak peek into the next series he's working on. Just the tiniest sneakiest of peeks.  But I'm eager to learn more! Murder at Penwood Manor by Antony Barone Kolenc Xan and Christina embark on a journey to Harwood Abbey, where they reunite with their old friends, Lucy and Joshua. When a brutal murder occurs at nearby Penwood Manor, all evidence points to Laurence, a Crusader recently returned from the Holy Land. Unconvinced of the man’s guilt, Xan and his friends must act swiftly to solve the crime. Who could have committed such a horrible killing, and is anyone safe? Is Laurence tormented by demons, or is he haunted by some other secret? And will Xan be forever changed by the choice Lucy and Christina present to him? Learn more about Antony Barone Kolenc on his WEBSITE and follow him on GoodReads and BookBub. You can also listen to his first episode HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

What do you get when you mix faith, family, and small towns?  Well with Jessica Kate's latest release, Drive You Crazy, you get a hilarious "loathe to love" romcom in her new Amity Creek series!  Listen in to learn more! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Jessica Kate, author of A Girl's Guide to the Outback and Love and Other Mistakes, has a fun new small-town romcom series set in Washington State.  I mean, she had me at "romcom" but then when she says it kicks off when a guy our heroine calls Dracula drops a tree on her car, I was 100% all in. Can you blame me? But while Amity Creek only has one full-length novel (just released), there are a few short novels/stories as well.   Not only that, but she's just released Three Aussie Kisses and A New Year's Kiss as well! Drive You Crazy by Jessica Kate Fans of Emily Henry and Gilmore Girls will adore this swoon-worthy enemies-to-love romance about how faith, family and small towns are never as simple as they seem. Bubbly newspaper editor Ashley Anderson is ecstatic to finally call this small town in Washington State 'home'—until she accidentally angers her newspaper's biggest advertisers, and they boycott. Her neighbor Justin has the family connections to get the town back on her side—but asking for help from the man she's nicknamed 'Dracula' is a last resort. Living next door, rebel-with-a-cause teacher Justin Hastings can't escape Amity Creek fast enough. But when a good deed goes awry, it's his fault that Ashley's car is out of action, and they're forced to carpool until he can make things right. Thrust into one another's daily lives, Ashley and Justin learn that little is black-and-white—not small-town life, not family, and not each other. But there's a fork in the road, and it seems God has these two destined for separate paths. Can the road less traveled ever lead them back to love? Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this must-read inspirational romance about the complexities—and the beauty—of true love in all its forms. Learn more about Jessica Kate on her WEBSITE. Also, 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!

Anyone who knows Nancy C. Williams knows that she can tell a great story.  I've sat around tables listening to her tales for years and never get tired of it.  Listen in to the stories she tells about Siberia, Seabees, wasps (not capitalized), and FedEx.   note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. What Do Houses with Chicken Legs Have to Do with Russian MIGs? Nancy C. Williams has been writing advertising copy and other professional works for over thirty years, but now that she's dipped her toes into fiction, she's got the bug, and she's here to tell us about it. Her novel, To Love a Falcon, is the latest in the Ever After Mystery Series (the 1940s line) and features the Russian fairy tale "Finist the Falcon."  While you don't need to read the fairy tale to enjoy the novel, it's short and you will get little nuggets out of Nancy's story that you might have missed otherwise. Nancy drew on her experience going to Siberia for her son's adoption, a story her father-in-law told about WWII, and even her time with FedEx riding in the jump seat (think Tom Hanks and Castaway. Nancy didn't crash, thank goodness!) Add to that Providential provision in her writing center of a whole display of Russian toys and fairy tales and well... she just had to write this book.  I do not confess to begging her to do it. Nope. No confession here.  *whistles. To Love a Falcon by Nancy C. Williams When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her deeper into Siberia. Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians. A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance...igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs? Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart? To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love. To learn more about Nancy C. Williams, visit 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!

The "world" of Deep Haven has a new spin-off--"The Fox Family" and Rachel D. Russell's book, It's Your Love, is second in the line-up. Listen in to learn about this series and about Rachel's book in it! note: links may be affiliate links and may provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Despite All Appearances, This Author Wasn't "Horsing Around." Sorry. Couldn't resist.  What could be better than a horse camp and two messed up people who need each other to make their dreams (more than they think?) come true?  Rachel and I have chatted a couple of times, and I always enjoy a good conversation with her. She's passionate about writing, about the Sunrise Publishing model, about her characters, and of course, about the Lord. What's not to love?  I don't know about you, but I love the depth of story she put into this book--characters with deep troubles that only the Lord can heal. EEEP! You can listen to her previous interview HERE. It's Your Love by Rachel D. Russell When Grayson Fox is asked to return home to Deep Haven and run the wrangler activities for the local camp, the last thing he expects is to run into the one woman he never wanted to see again. Worse…she’s his boss. But Grayson has big hopes for a life back in Oregon, and he must keep the promise to the camp in order to keep his dreams alive. Just because Beth Strauss has stuck around Deep Haven doesn’t mean she doesn’t want a bigger life. And becoming the camp assistant director is the first step to that bigger life. Of course, standing in her way happens to be the one man who has always managed to derail her dreams, way too arrogant Grayson Fox. But if they want to keep the camp afloat and their dreams alive, these two must learn to work together. But will these enemies become sweethearts, and if they do, will they find something better than the dreams they’re striving for? The next delightful installment of the Fox Family series! Fox Family How Sweet It Is It’s Your Love The Way You Love Me Learn more about Rachel on her WEBSITE. And follow her on BookBub and GoodReads as well. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

After tons of research with little information to draw on, Jill Eileen Smith has written a "what could have been" novel that releases February 27th (with a big party on Facebook, too!). Listen in to learn more about The Ark and the Dove. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. What Kind of Woman Gets in a Boat to Avoid a Little Rain?  After her Daughter of Eden and the story of what might have been with Eve in the Garden, its shouldn't surprise us that Jill Eileen Smith has tackled the story of the flood in The Ark and the Dove.  Jill talked about her research, her visit to The Ark Encounter, and even the names she chose for the missies on that Ark. We covered what life might have been like (the first cabin fever perhaps?  Vitamin D deficits--again, for the first time?) and then went on to get a peek at what is coming next. Eeep! Jill also told us about a Facebook event on the 27th of February--games, prizes, and Jill will be there as well.  You can RSVP HERE. The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder. When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground. Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again. You can get The Ark and the Dove at 30% off with free shipping (as of today, anyway!) at BakerBookHouse.com. Learn more about Jill at her WEBSITE.   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 heard the name of Lynn H. Blackburn's new series, I was hooked right there.  I mean, come on! Gossamer Falls? EEEP! And the title!  Never Fall Again? How perfect is that?  Listen in as we chat about the new series, its location, and the cool preorder goodies up for grabs! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. They Say Love Is Worth the Risk, but at What Cost? Lynn H. Blackburn joined me for a lovely chat about her new series and oh, my gravy does it sound amazing.  Look, if you love romance, it sounds like this one is infused with a double dose alongside the suspense, but come on. A single mom starting over? A guy already burned by losing a "ready-made" family? Someone out to get them?  What's not to love? Book one of this new series, Never Fall Again, releases March 12th, and until then you can get it at 40% off with free shipping (in the US anyway) and while supplies last, you'll also get some cool preorder goodies, including a great sticker that I'm eager to get my paws--I mean, hands on. EEEP!  Just go to BakerBookHouse.com for more info. Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven's guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction. Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family's business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can't bear to lose like that again. Before construction on the house can begin, Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again. Learn more about Lynn and her books on her WEBSITE. Don't forget to 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!

I never imagined loving stories taking place in Kansas, but in the last few years, many of my favorites have been set there, including Amanda Wen's Segewick Chronicles. She has a new book, The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. Listen in to see why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. How a Broken Violin Ties Together Two Centuries  One of the best things about Amanda Wen's books is how she ties together history and the present and while using tidbits of her own family's history.  In The Rhythm of Fractured Grace, the family farmhouse is still included as well as the story of an ancestor who survived a scalping! You'll find a story steeped in the necessity of forgiveness in life. The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen Is Siobhan too far gone to respond to the song of a God who's calling her back to him? When a new customer brings a badly damaged violin into Siobhan Walsh's shop, it is exactly the sort of challenge she craves. The man who brought it in is not. He's too close to the painful past that left her heart and her faith in shambles. Matt Buchanan has had a rough start as the new worship pastor. A car accident on his way into town left him with a nearly totaled truck, and an heirloom violin in pieces. When he takes it to a repair shop, he's fascinated with the restoration process--and with the edgy, closed-off woman doing the work. As their friendship deepens and turns into more, they both discover secrets that force them to face past wounds. And the history of the violin reveals more about their current problems than they could have ever expected. On the nineteenth-century frontier, a gruesome tomahawk attack wiped out most of Deborah Caldwell's family. Her greatest solace after the tragedy is the music from her father's prized violin. Given her horrendous scars, she'd resigned herself to a spinster's life. But Levi Martinson's gentle love starts to chip away at her hardened heart, until devastating details about the attack are revealed, putting their love--and Deborah's shaky faith--to the ultimate test. Full of forgiveness and the message that no one is too damaged for God's healing touch, the final book in the split-time Sedgwick County Chronicles will thrill fans of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, and Kristy Cambron. Learn more about Amanda Wen on her WEBSITE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!