When I heard about Karen Witemeyer doing fairy tales in 19th-century Texas, I knew this would be genius.  But when I heard about Cloaked in Beauty, a mashup of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, her genius took on new proportions. Listen in to see why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  A girl with a fortune and someone eager to kill her to get it?  That might sound familiar, but nope... Witemeyer has taken a whole new take on both fairy tales, and I love it.  EEEP! Not only that, but we're looking at at least one more book--based on Beauty and the Beast. And... we got a sneak peek at her next series... The Secret Society of Spinsters.  Is that not the most genius idea ever?  I can't wait!  Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer  In the heart of the Piney Woods of Texas, Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit. Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to Letty grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping her out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart. "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights. You can learn more about Karen Witemeyer and her books on her WEBSITE. Don't forget the book is 40% off with FREE US shipping until 12/16/24 on BakerBookHouse.com.   Follow Karen on BookBub and GoodReads. And don't forget her Posse Group on Facebook. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 Beloved Biblical and historical fiction author, Tessa Afshar has a new series beginning, and wow! Persian history comes to life as we get to know Roxannah and how she became not only a cook in Queen Esther's house but also... the queen's friend!  Listen in to learn more. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  This new series focuses on fictional women who could have interacted with Queen Esther and even has "excerpts from the queen's journals" which is a really cool way for readers to get to see Persian culture of the time through a lens that Esther could have had.  I don't know about you, but I'm already looking forward to the next book. #BecausePottery!  The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar  In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance. Learn more about Tessa on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss the book at 30% off with FREE shipping from BakerBookHouse.com. 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 historical, Amish, and contemporary women's fiction, Suzanne Woods Fisher has moved from Cape Cod and ice cream to the South and flowers. Listen in to learn what you'll find in this new series of novellas (all available in one book!) note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  "Flowers are in the business of happiness." Isn't that the most delightful picture?  If that doesn't make you want to read more about flowers, nothing will.  And then there's... Capture the Moment-- a national park series coming in MAY!   A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher  In this collection of four heartfelt novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness--and love--remain elusive. In An Apology in Bloom, wedding florist Jaime Harper is on a meteoric rise, working for an event company led by a successful and way-too-handsome boss. When a letter arrives from her past mentor with an offer too good to pass up, will she stay or head back to her hometown? In A Bouquet of Dreams, Claire Murphy has always dreamed of owning a flower shop, and when her employers hint at retirement, she believes her moment has arrived. But first she must confront her past--and the man who caused her to flee her hometown years ago. In A Field of Beauty, Tessa Anderson has found an acre of farmland to start her flower farm and forget the past. She's grateful for the help of two men--her boyfriend, Tyler, and a quiet soil specialist named Dawson. But as the farm finally starts to bloom, Tessa will discover something that challenges everything she's built. In A Future in Blossom, Jaime, Claire, and Tessa return to their hometown, finally ready to face each other and their beloved mentor, flower shop owner Rose Reid. As they unite to pull off an extraordinary wedding, amid the flurry of preparations they just may find their way to forgiveness. Don't forget that the book is 30% off at BakerBookHouse.com And don't forget the fall bundle deal! It sounds AMAZING!  You can get that HERE. 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!

Always ready with a variety of excellent new books for us, Roseanna M. White has two recent releases-- An Honorable Disguise and of course, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor. Listen in to learn more about these two books and the ones coming next year! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I couldn't imagine what on earth would possess someone to call their home, "Sugar Plum Manor," but of course, Roseanna managed to pull that off beautifully.  With a Nutcracker-inspired story, added to a bit of Tchaikovsky influence, what more could you ask for at Christmas? But she also just released her third Imposters book with An Honorable Deception. It's time to get Yates' story, and boy, you don't want to miss out on this one! Finally, this July, Roseanna moves into WWII territory with The Collector of Burned Books.  If you haven't seen this cover, you MUST. It's stunning, and the story behind it... sign me up!    Christmas at Sugarplum Manor by Roseanna M. White  The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime. As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste. Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been? Learn more about Roseanna M. White on her WEBSITE (with all the bookish merch) and follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Don't forget that you can still get Christmas at Sugarplum Manor  for 30% off with FREE US shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

The queen of research questions that freak out the experts, Patricia Bradley is back with the final book in the Pearl River series. Listen in and learn what happens in this book and where she's taking us next! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Revenge, second chances at a first chance, and a story that hits close to home with our present political climate (and all before it was a thing!), Bradley has a lot going on in this book. And... after this, she gave us a hint. We're going back to Logan Point--the setting of her first series!  Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley  Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection. That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well. As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back? Learn more about Patricia and her books at PTBradley.com and PatriciaBradleyBooks.com! 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!

Beloved author Robin Jones Gunn is back with another fabulous friendship series. This time, different friends are going off on once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Listen in to see what tea has to do with elephants... and friends. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.    So far it's a three-book series. We NEED more books so read, review, and beg the publisher for more FRIENDSHIP books. Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn  Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young. Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants. Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain. Don't forget 30% off with Free US shipping at BakerBookHouse.com Learn more about Robin 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!

 Readers who fell in love with Adelaide in All My Secrets will be excited to read this Christmas novella, Waiting for Christmas. Listen in and see why this book has all the vibes of beloved Christmas classics.  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I love Christmas, and Gilde-Age stories with their strong contrasts between the wealthy and poverty-stricken offers great fodder for stories, but add in a bit of "fish-out-of-water" and a little mystery, and you've got the makings of a fabulous story.   Waiting for Christmas  by Lynn Austin   In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue. For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household. Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true. The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all. The novella length of this delightful work of Christmas fiction about the true meaning of Christmas makes this a great stocking stuffer or host/hostess gift Beautiful hardcover, giftable size Great companion to All My Secrets by Lynn Austin Includes discussion questions for book clubs Learn more about Lynn Austin on 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!

College in Ireland?  Sign me up! Colleen Marie has a fabulous new series with all things Irish and horses. 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 haven't read a lot of new adult fiction, but Teagan's Treasure is  definitely going on my list. I love the idea of a mystery combined with all things horses and Ireland!  Woot! Teagan's Treasure by Colleen Marie  Teagan O'Reilly has one goal upon graduation to be accepted into Emerald Isle University's Science Research Internship and spend the summer in Ireland competing for a spot in the university's coveted research program. When her acceptance letter finally arrives, Teagan is more determined than ever to win a spot into the program. She's prepared for everything until she learns her partner is none other than Finn Connolly, her first love and the boy who broke her heart. Past feelings reignite as Teagan and Finn travel to Brigid's Crossing in the small town of Cloverdale, Ireland, to begin their internship. Their research project quickly comes to life on the Kavanaghs' horse farm, bringing new life to the farm and Teagan's dreams. Teagan soon discovers that the farm is in financial trouble, jeopardizing her meticulously planned research, and needs a miracle to be saved. The rolling hills of the Irish countryside are hiding a secret, and the answer may lie in the legendary tale of the missing Kildare Emerald. When a plot to steal the emerald from the Kavanaghs' land is uncovered, the safety of farm and the chance at the research position lies in the balance. As time begins to run out, Teagan is torn between winning the research position and helping the Kavanaghs save the farm. Teagan is forced to decide where her heart lies, but will her choice make her lose everything she's always dreamed of, or will she gain more than she ever imagined? Also don't forget about her YA romance, Sadie's Star. Learn more about Colleen 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!

When I say Mesu Andrews is Brave to tackle the subject of David's wives (at least the first six of 'em), I'm not being "punny." That said, she is! As hard as it is to see beloved Bible heroes doing stupid things, firmly convinced it's "of the Lord" when... really?  How often do we do the same thing? Listen in to learn why she wrote David and his first two wives the way she did. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Tackling the first two wives might be hard enough, but seeing how David might have loved both? And if you read the synopsis, you get the hint that David's first wife already had trust in relationships issues. Bring on wife #2???  WHAT?  With her unwavering dedication to digging out Biblical truth, Mesu Andrews plows into the hard stories that shape the life of the "man after God's own heart."  Brave by Mesu Andrews  In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal. Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king? You can learn more about Mesu Andrews at her WEBSITE, sign up for her newsletter HERE. and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 One little boy's dream becomes a sister's determination in this beautiful historical romance.  Listen in as Amanda Cabot talks about her Sweetwater Crossing Christmas Novella, One Special Christmas. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Readers couldn't get enough of Sweetwater Crossing, and Amanda didn't disappoint. Drawing new characters into familiar scenes, she gives us a beautiful look at new hope and joy at Christmastime. One Special Christmas by Amanda Cabot  It will take a miracle to salvage her dreams, but Christmas is the season of miracles, isn't it? Fearing this may be her young brother's last Christmas, Greta Engel is determined to make Otto's dream of spending it at the foot of Pikes Peak come true. She'll do anything, even selling a priceless family heirloom, to get them away from Houston and the man who threatened both of them. But the trip to the fabled mountain is more arduous than she'd anticipated and a crisis leaves them stranded in the Texas Hill Country. Even though it's only a temporary stay, Greta finds much to like about Sweetwater Crossing, including the opportunity to manage the town's tearoom. And then there's Matt Nelson, the all too handsome man who's running for sheriff. She wants to trust him when he proposes they serve as chaperones to help his brother win the woman of his dreams, but what if she's making a mistake like the one she did in Houston? What if the rumors are right and there's more to Matt's request than he's admitted? Greta's head tells her she and Matt can be nothing more than friends, but her heart has other ideas. 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!

Christian fantasy takes a new twist in Trail to the Lonely Tree. I chatted with Kurt Mahler about his series recently--all the way from the other side of the world. Listen in and see what he did with a story about animals remembering the names that Adam gave them... and what that means! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   I love the idea of animals remembering the names Adam gave them--and how that would affect mankind.  And taking place in Texas? Yes, please!  A totally new fantasy idea is perfect for book lovers in your life, so don't forget about them for the upcoming holidays.   The Trail to the Lonely Tree by Kurt Frederick Mahler  Friendship, courage, and destiny meet in this whimsical magic realism journey. Oracle, a jaguar from the Yucatán, arrives in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas because a lost monarch butterfly tells him the story of the last jaguar there. Oracle remembers Eden and the original word Adam spoke to the first of his kind, but others in the Valley have forgotten their names—including Man himself. Oracle begins his quest of restoring the Valley from the perils of loss while searching for the Lonely Tree, the location of the prophetic prayer of the last jaguar from seventy years before. But the path to the Lonely Tree is part of the realm of Man and riddled with “ironthorn” fences. Can Oracle help the animals remember their names given by Adam? Will he become the new Lord of the Valley in answer to the last jaguar’s prayer? This poetic and hopeful tale about the mystical jaguar Oracle will stay in readers’ hearts even after the last page and provide clues for navigating life's complexities. Learn more about him 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!

 Feel like kids need a picture of what Spiritual warfare looks like?  R.M. Ruiz shows it in this family saga of missions from God to thwart evil beings and how He prepares them for it.  Listen in to learn what's up in Iowa! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   The cornfields of Iowa may not seem like a place for battle, but don't tell the Chosen Kids that! Amid dealing with troublesome monsters, they also have to work through their own relationships in the process. Ruiz has such a heart for children and what they read as well as an obvious love of the Lord and His word. Encounter at Ambrose by R.M. Ruiz  SOMETHING IS LURKING IN IOWA... ​​For their third mission, the Chosen Kids find themselves in the Corn State where an evil being carries out a sinister scheme. The family tracks down the creature right away. But when they can’t get close enough to identify the species or figure out its plan, they devise a risky strategy. The day goes from bad to worse when someone calls the cops. Are the kids in over their heads? Caiden teams up with big brother Caleb to save the mission. But if things go wrong, is it wise to have a known bully by his side? After a wild ride of shenanigans and mishaps, the siblings make an important discovery. Will they follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance or take their own path? When the Chosen Kids set their trap—in the last place Caiden wants to be at nightfall— they may have overlooked one key detail. Encounter at Ambrose came out on September Don't miss the story of book two and the icy slopes in Episode 234 Learn more about the series, the characters, and Rosemary at TheChosenKids.com 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 read about this anthology and the group that sponsored it, I couldn't contain my excitement. Jenny Gossell signed up for the dream school for aspiring young authors and this anthology shows just how brilliant the program is. Listen in to learn more about her, her book, and the school that helped produce it! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I feel like this college alternative is a brilliant idea, and boy do I wish I could have had that opportunity.  That said, however, the anthology itself contains a bunch of stories that will appeal to a variety of people.  Jenny says most fall in the realm of some sort of spec-fic, but... there is a contemporary as well.  Voices of The Future: Stories of Family and Fearlessness by Multiple Authors Discover the next generation of storytellers… This inaugural edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of family and fearlessness in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through tales of hope and belonging from rising young creatives. Olivia G. Booms “A Book Dragon’s Story” Jenny Chasteen “People of the Rain” Rachel Elizabeth “Fairies in the Garden” Hope Jian “Shattered Echoes” Cara Peregrino “The Penny Dragon” Madigan Thompson “Obsidian Wings” Abi Lyn Voss “The Little Tire Shop” Valari Westeren “Symbiosis” Amie Woleslagle “Colors of Grief” The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers.  You can get a copy of this anthology directly from Jenny on her WEBSITE. and follow her on Goodreads. Learn more about the Author Conservatory on their WEBSITE. 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 good dystopian novel, and New Heroes by E. H. Underhill sounds sooooo good!  I am so excited to get my hands on this book!  Listen in and see why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   I love this idea of a dystopian series.    The Solar Storm Chronicles: New Heroes by E. H. Underhill  In the gripping dystopian thriller, "The Solar Storm Chronicles - New Heroes," author E.H. Underhill plunges readers into a world reshaped by solar storms and teetering on the edge of chaos. Protagonist Eric's struggle for survival unfolds against a backdrop of relentless danger and shifting alliances. Attacked and pursued, Eric's journey through a dystopian world becomes a visceral experience. As he confronts the harsh realities of this transformed world, Eric forms unexpected alliances with a diverse group of friends, each harboring their own scars from the past. "The Solar Storm Chronicles - New Heroes" is a heart-pounding exploration of humanity's resilience in the face of adversity. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and moral quandaries, the story delves into the depths of survival instincts and the bonds that form when the world falls apart. Immerse yourself in a tale of courage, camaraderie, and the unbreakable human spirit as Eric navigates a dangerous landscape where every decision could mean life or death. Will he overcome the shadows of his past, or will the storm within mirror the chaos outside? Find out in this riveting saga that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Learn more about E. H. on  INSTAGRAM 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!

 Welcome back to the charming community of Moonberry Lake. It's time to get to know the crazy antics taking place in the florist's shop and wow... let's just say I couldn't stop laughing. Listen in to hear what you'll find in The Blooming of Delphinium. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Moonberry Lake, Minnesota features such a unique and charming cast of characters in this fabulous series.  This second book offers even more amusing and heartwarming moments.   Don't miss the first interview with Holly Varni HERE.  The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni  As far as hidden talents go, Delphinium Hayes is blessed with one of the more unique ones. With the slightest passing whiff, she knows someone's most admirable or weediest characteristic. This peculiar perception never fails to give her an advantage in life--until she meets two men who turn her world upside down. Mason McCormack has agreed to help her with a group of seniors who have taken over her flower shop as their hangout. But his assistance is not without its price, and Delphinium agrees to compensate him with beautiful bouquets that seem to possess a bit of dating magic. Elliot Sturgis, director of The Gardens Assisted Living Facility, is determined to discover why a group of his residents keeps sneaking over to Delphinium's shop to play poker in the walk-in refrigerator. He soon finds himself as enchanted by Delphinium as everyone else. But his devotion to following the rules and maintaining order does not endear him to the shop's owner. Sparks fly as opposites attract and love finds a match in Delphinium's Flora Emporium--even for those who resist it the most. Learn more about Holly Varni on her WEBSITE (where you can find her podcast) 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 Encounter series by D.M. Griffin looks at four women who each had a brief encounter with Jesus and its profound effect on their lives. The final book, Return of the Son just released. Listen in to see what you'll find in the covers of this Biblical fiction novel.  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Have you ever wondered who the "Widow of Naim" might have been?  Griffin takes a look at what could have led up to the heartbreaking moment that led to one of Jesus' encounters with broken people.    Don't miss her first episode HERE. Return of the Son by D. M. Griffin Her life was perfect. At least her childhood was. Eve never wanted anything except her father's presence. As a prominent advisor to the evil King Herod, Eve's father was split between his duties to the king and his duties as the only living parent for his daughter. With no heir to claim his family's land, Eve's father did what any loving father would do. He arranged for her betrothal. But this wasn't just any betrothal. Her potential husband was related to the king she despised. With a rough marital journey ahead of her, she tenuously clings to the promises of God. Not sharing her father's enthusiasm or respect for the Herodian dynasty, Eve acted like the spoiled child she was upon first meeting her betrothed. With faulty expectations and prejudiced opinions, she did what she could to ruin the marriage before it began. It wasn't until it was almost too late that Eve's eyes were open and she saw the opportunity to experience love for the divine intervention that it was. Fraught with political intrigue and personal challenges, would Eve be able to fully surrender to the life God wanted her to live by loving a man she thought she could never love? When that man's shadows chase the family into the future, would Eve's son pay the ultimate price? Or would God intervene there too? Could He? Only a single, unforeseen encounter could answer Eve's impossible question. Does love truly conquer death?  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!

After chatting with him about his Barabbas books in the past, readers might expect a new Biblical fiction series, but next up from M. D. House... Fantasy!!! EEEP!  Listen in to see what you'll find in this exciting new series! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  The End Times Convergence series opens with Crossroads of Awakening Memory, a fantasy that deals with multiple worlds serving the same God with portals! The portals are "awakening."  Add to that a tie-in with end-times expectations, and you've got a fantasy series I'm dying to read!   Crossroads of Awakening Memory by M.D. House  To young trainee Rain Barynd, becoming a Council Guard in bucolic New Haven will secure a positive future that involves neither farming nor any real fighting. Impressing his girlfriend’s skeptical parents and overcoming a handful of bullies among the trainees—along with the inexplicable intensity of his trainer, a decorated warrior from the East—are his greatest challenges. Or so he believes. A rare and ruthless bandit attack marks the beginning of the mayhem that engulfs Rain’s childhood home and sets him on an unimaginable path that includes … his own magic? Talismans that enable travel to other worlds? Griffons and dragons, ancient nemeses thought to be long extinct? Strange metal beasts that spit bellowing fire? And even elves of fairy tale, as real as the dwarves? Amid a besom of chaos and doubt, Rain must work with members of a mysterious ancient order to piece together a growing convergence of clues long prophesied. All while trying to figure out his place in the madness. Only one thing is certain—he is not ready. You can learn more about Mike on his WEBSITE.  Follow him 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 world could always use more fantasy novels, and after my chat with Steven A. Guglich, I'm sure Piercing the Veil is a great addition to the genre. Listen in to learn about how he wrote this series and what's to come. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  By nature, fantasy novels are about journeys--to places, to things, to ideas... but journeys. Steven Guglich has a new twist on it (well, it's new to me!) with fantasy that explores what happened when magic left the human race and what it will take to bring it back.  One thing that fascinated me most about his writing process is how he wrote all the backstory and history of everything. Dwarves, gnomes, gods, legends...He created it all so that he'd have it when he needed it to weave into the story but we won't get great, heaping infodumps of world-building. Because worldbuilding is such a huge part of fantasy, but authors too often build within the story instead of tell the story that came from the world they already built.   Piercing the Veil by Steven A. Guglich They say that legends are born, not made. But for Jeremy Goodson and Masaru Hagen that is far from the truth. Confronted by something that neither of them can explain, two complete strangers from opposite sides of the world embark on an unforgettable journey that will forge them into living legends. It has been almost 4,000 years since magic disappeared from the Earth. Hidden from humanity by the Veil, those who possess magic live in ancient settlements across the globe. Over the centuries, these beings have pierced the Veil, leaving behind glimpses and shadows of the fantastic and arcane. Fueled by distant memories and humanity’s desire for wonder, familiar stories of myths and legends have been passed down for thousands of years in nearly every culture and nation. Jeremy Goodson, an average, overweight teacher in New York City finds his entire world turned upside down when a stranger tempts him to leave everything behind and start a journey that will test Jeremy’s mysterious gift and bring magic and hope back to humanity. Masaru Hagen, the adopted son of American tech entrepreneurs living in Tokyo, has been guided by an unseen voice all his life. On the eve of his twentieth birthday, the voice leads him across thousands of miles, on a mysterious and perilous mission he alone can undertake. But there are principalities of this world that will do whatever they can to stop Jeremy and Masaru and keep magic out of the hands of humanity forever. One of these men will bring hope to the world; the other will bring death. The world they once knew will be changed forever, not only for themselves, but for everyone on Earth… and maybe not for the best. Learn more about Steven on his  WEBSITE and follow him 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!

 A chat with Liz Johnson is always a lot of fun, but a chat about another Red Door Inn book?  Listen in to learn what you'll find in Meddling with Mistletoe note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Okay, so we talked about more than Meddling with Mistletoe. Yes, we learned what we'll find in that book, but... we also had to have a chat about Christmas at the Red Door Inn (a personal favorite) and about her new series coming next year!   Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson  Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return. The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match. Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line. You can still get Meddling with Mistletoe for 30% off and FREE SHIPPING from BakerBookHouse.com Find out more about Liz  on her WEBSITE.  And follow her on BookBub and GoodReads! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 I have a special place in my heart for debut novels, and I especially love ones that deal with broken people who find healing in Jesus and His people, so imagine how excited I was to hear about The Color of Home by Kit Tosello! Listen in to learn more about her, her books, and even how her home town inspired her fictional town! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Okay, so there's a lot to love about Kit Tosello, and not all of it has to do with a debut novel that had me hooked from the first paragraph of the synopsis!  I mean, down to her last nerve? That's my life these past two weeks!  But more than a story about family, connections, the difficulties of caregiving for loved ones with dementia, and connection with the Lord... Kit Tosello is just a cool person. How do I know?   She gets TEA.  She is all about TEA.  She even has a company... Suttle TEA in Oregon.  Check out her WEBSITE for more. I know I have a huge order sitting here waiting for me to have half a minute to place it. EEEP!   The Color of Home by Kit Tosello Audrey Needham, Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, is down to her last nerve. Her boss is impossible to please, her future is in jeopardy, and her great-aunt Daisy needs support as her husband descends into Alzheimer's. When Daisy enlists Audrey's help preparing for a move to assisted living, Audrey risks her career to return to the idyllic small town of Charity Falls, Oregon, the summer stomping grounds of her childhood. But Charity Falls was also the place that broke her heart when her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago. Despite Audrey's intent to avoid emotional entanglement, the pull of home is hard to resist. Something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain. Join award-winning writer and debut novelist Kit Tosello in this lyrical and often humorous exploration of how God redeems brokenness and draws us to the life we're meant to find. The Color of Home is also available from BakerBookHouse.com at 30% off with FREE US shipping. Don't miss her December release, The Kitchen Devotional that you can get at 40% off with FREE US shipping until early December from BakerBookHouse. Learn more about Kit 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!

Listen in and learn about how bell towers won out over clock towers and became a big part of each of the novellas in the Christmas in the Cascades collection. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  In this episode, I chatted with April Kidwell and Marline Williams about their collection set in the Cascades in Oregon. All centered around a bell tower and... Christmas of course.  We talked about them getting to know each other, about how they learned about bells, how they created this fictional community, and how they kept everything straight. Don't forget to find out about the Dane's Creek Christmas Cookbook! And this is that song I mentioned about the three bells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5pH7l3qdPw Christmas in the Cascades by Marissa Adams, April Kidwell, Marline Williams, Chris Daniel, and Cali Black Christmas In The Cascades Ring in the holidays with five sweet stories of love and hope through the decades in Dane’s Creek, Oregon. 1874 – Glad and Golden Hours When her father's injury prevents him from founding the town bell, Eleanor Craven's bleak Christmas is cheered by the arrival of the charming Silas Fairbanks. But no sooner does their romance begin than it is endangered by a startling revelation. 1910 – The Thrill of Hope Widow Zaidée Cross, an outsider in Dane’s Creek, faces eviction from Bell Tower Cottage. Compelled to aid her wild schemes, Deputy Sheriff Björn Bergstrom fears he may lose his job and his heart. 1967 – Wild and Sweet Haunted by a near-miss campfire kiss a decade ago, Rory Adams spends the summer of ’67 fleeing her boring Philadelphia country club life. Her solo train trip to photograph historic Oregon Trail bell towers offers a fresh start—and a second chance at the love of a lifetime.   2000 – Romancing Her Home Montana horse breeder Slim Steadman relies on lessons passed down from his granddad to remain calm as the Y2K approaches causing many around him to panic. But his faith is challenged when Jenny O'Malley, the fiery red head he’s fallen in love with, comes face to face with a crisis neither of them can bridle. 2024 – Finding Home Mayor Jared Carter has no idea how to revive his dying town. When celebrity baker, Sass Kelleman agrees to come and bake the cake for the town’s 150th anniversary celebration on Christmas Eve, the shocking secret she carries with her leads to a sweet happily ever after. Learn more about the authors on their websites!  https://marissaadamsbooks.com/ https://aprilkidwellauthor.com/ https://marlinewilliams.com/ https://www.authorcaliblack.com/ Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

An heiress, a widow, and a fish-out-of water walk into a series... Listen in and see who you'll meet in the Stone Creek Brides series. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Kathleen Rouser's Stone Creek Brides series offers strong heroines, each with something they'd rather keep quiet.   This latest novel, Scandals and Mercies, dives deep into the conflict between expectations and obligations and how the Lord handles those. Scandals and Mercies by Kathleen Rouser  He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love. Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt. When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper. As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love? Learn more about Kathleen 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've discovered a ridiculous love for castles that probably originated when author Cathe Swanson lived in one and I visited. But Ann Swindell has ramped it up a huge notch with her fictional kingdom of Lethersby, a historical secret, and of course, Christmas! Listen in and see why I can't wait for more from her! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Look, one book about castles and fictitious kingdoms, and hundred-year-old mysteries is pretty awesome, but learning it's the first in a series? EEEP! I can't wait. I had a blast talking through Anne's creation of the kingdom, her characters, and what readers will find in upcoming books.   Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday. Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.  Learn more about Ann on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

After listening to her Buried Secrets on Audible, I couldn't wait to chat with S.F. Baumgartner about her latest book in the Mirror Estate series, Hidden Secrets. Listen in and see what we'll see in this next thriller in the series! Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   If you love suspense and thrillers without all the romance, this is the series for you! While there are romantic elements to some of the books, Baumgartner leaves it minimal, focusing on the suspense primarily. Also, don't forget her audiobooks on Audible! Hidden Secrets by S.F. Baumgartner  Abducted. Trapped. Hunted. Grace Benson must find a way out… or die trying. After her harrowing escape from a kill order, Grace thought she’d return to a normal life, only to be abducted from her home. Meanwhile, FBI investigations into the murders of a congressman and his staff uncover a shocking link to Grace's abduction, threatening international stability. Desperate to survive, Grace allies with an unlikely partner—a child who knows the bunker's secrets—but as they navigate the treacherous tunnel system, a misplaced step echoes through the corridors, alerting a deranged captor who now closes in, gun in hand. If you like Alex Cross, Gabriel Allon, you will like this unpredictable, fast-paced suspense thriller. Learn more about Sylvia 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!

 No one does Christmas like Melody Carlson, and her latest Christmas release, The Christmas Tree Farm promises to be one of her best. Listen in and see why I was so excited to read it that I opened my mail while we chatted to get it! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Melody was such a trooper, fighting all kinds of technological glitches (that thankfully you can't hear!) and learning new things to get me recordings and such. I so appreciate her. We talked about themes of forgiveness and releasing control to God, working out relationships, and more.   Inspired by seeing how the Oregon fires affected tree farms over the state, Melody wrote a story of a neglected tree farm, the travesty happening next door (tongue firmly in cheek, but not according to her character!), and the fractured relationship between two sisters.   She also gave a hint of what's coming next spring! EEEP! The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson  When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter. With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister. Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings. You can get The Christmas Tree Farm for 30% off and maybe with free US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com. Learn more about Melody 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 one of my top reads of the year, June Bug, Chris Fabry is also the novelist for the Kendrick Brothers' beloved movies including the most recent, The Forge. Listen in as we discuss the story and the process of writing from a screenplay! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Chis Fabry, author of so many beloved novels and the podcaster behind Moody's Chris Fabry Live, has teamed up with the Kendrick Brothers again to bring the book version of the story to readers.  I loved chatting about the themes within the book, the process of writing it, and what we might see in the future.    The Forge by Chris Fabry  As Cynthia Wright’s marriage implodes, she is forced to raise her teenage son, Isaiah, alone. The pressure of providing for them through her salon is a full-time job in itself. When Cynthia sees Isaiah pulling away and escaping into video games, tensions rise and prayers feel unanswered. Angry and hurt, Isaiah starts acting like the father who abandoned him, and Cynthia gives him an ultimatum while turning to her twin sister, Elizabeth Jordan, for support. Elizabeth enlists a seasoned prayer warrior who challenges Cynthia to pray boldly and believe God for the impossible. Caught in the middle, Isaiah longs for respect, but sees no clear path to becoming a good man. Desperate for a job, he wanders into Moore Fitness, Inc. and encounters the owner, Joshua Moore, who introduces him to the concept of working for a coach rather than a boss. Needing the work, Isaiah reluctantly begins his mentoring process with Joshua. While Cynthia clings to hope, no one sees the coming storms brewing at the company and in Isaiah’s heart. The Forge is about the power of prayer, the transformation only God can achieve, and the lasting influence one person can have on others. You can learn more about Chris Fabry on his WEBSITE. Also follow him on GoodReads or BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 No one does romantic comedy like Angela Ruth Strong--part hilarity, part depth, the stories always have that extra level of richness that we so love in her work. Listen in and see why I'm sure Fiance Finale will be no different. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Author of Husband Auditions, Hero Debut, and now, Fiance Finale (see what she did there?) Angela Ruth Strong has created a brilliant trilogy of romcoms that combine the kind of realistic, awkward moments best found in a romcom with the sort of spiritual and personal depth usually reserved for women's fiction. Not on Angela's part. She dives in and balances them well so that you get a truly enriching read and a whole lot of zany laughs.   Fiance Finale by Angela Ruth Strong It might be the worst plan in the world--but it's the only one he's got. Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: he knows the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though--he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary. But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice to promote his new film. So he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign. Working together will give him the perfect chance to propose again. Due to her own plot twist, Nicole Lemaire is forced to promote the very documentaries Charlie left her to film. Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But it's going to take more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give Charlie a second chance. In fact, it might require falling in love in a way Charlie’s never really understood. Angela Ruth Strong closes out her hilarious, heartfelt series with a couple who will give readers a lot of laughs and the hope that God sees and redeems even the most broken stories. Learn more about Angela on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

 I always love a chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher. She writes a lovely variety of genres, and her Amish is some of the best out there, so chatting about her new book, A Healing Touch was the highlight of this summer!  Listen in to learn about "Dok" Soltzfus, Annie, and the baby! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Next up in the Stony Ridge community, Fisher tackles several serious topics--an ex-Amish doctor (if I recall correctly), her Amish assistant, a found baby, and one woman's breast cancer journey. In this book, Fisher and her "Dok" show how healing isn't just about medicine and diagnoses--sometimes it's deeper and comes from within--from the heart.   A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher  Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus is the kind of doctor who still believes in house calls, addressing not just her patients' physical needs but their emotional ones too. When newly widowed Bee faces a breast cancer diagnosis, Dok connects her with Fern Lapp for support. When her painfully shy assistant Annie finds herself drawn to a new calling, Dok goes to great lengths to help her achieve her dream. And when an abandoned newborn mysteriously appears at her office one frosty morning, Dok's world takes an unexpected turn as ripples of change touch several lives. A Healing Touch is a captivating tale of compassion, resilience, and the bonds that form in surprising places. Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you into a new story that's like medicine for the weary soul. Join Dok, Annie, and the tight-knit Stoney Ridge community as they navigate the twists of fate, discovering that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the heart. Get A Healing Touch for 40% off with FREE US shipping through the end of September at BakerBookHouse.com 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!

 Author of brilliant Southern fiction, T.I. Lowe's latest release, Lowcountry Lost has such a super-cool premise. Listen in and learn about how Avalee totally renovates a ghost town! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Okay, so I love me a good home renovation show, but in a book?  And a whole TOWN not just one building?  YES, PLEASE! T.I. Lowe combines a second-chance romance with some hard-hitting topics AND... a lot of fun, whimsical moments with quirky characters to create a book I can't wait to read! Lowcountry Lost by T.I. Lowe  Sometimes what haunts you most is wondering what could have been. Avalee Elvis prides herself with being able to fix just about anything. . . except her past. Unable to put the puzzle of her life together, she pours heart and soul into making neglected places whole again. As the owner of Lowcountry Lost, Avalee spends her days in hot-pink Carhartt overalls and a tool belt reclaiming Lowcountry properties. Making them beautiful again releases the deep sigh that soothes the hurt she holds. Avalee’s latest project takes her to tiny Somewhere, South Carolina, a long-abandoned town. She ignores its ghostly folklore but can’t miss the shock of hearing the familiar Irish brogue that materializes on the job site—the voice of the man she never wanted to see again. Rowan Murray is a structural engineer hired by investors to oversee the redevelopment of the quaint downtown Avalee is bringing back to life. Once upon a time, he was also the man who knew Avalee better than anyone else—or so he thought. Six years ago, neither of them was prepared for the tragedy they would face together or what would happen in its wake. But as they work together to complete the rehabbing of Somewhere, their broken pieces and the pain that nearly consumed them begin to lose its grip, and both begin to wonder if it’s not too late for a restoration of their own. From the author of the breakout Southern fiction bestseller Under the Magnolias comes a story of loss and abandonment, forgiveness, and the beauty of undying love. Learn more about T.I. Lowe 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 love it when authors tackle the hard things in life with hope and redemption, and Carrie Walker's Emma's Hero feels like exactly the sort of book I love most. Listen in while we learn about this book, the series, and more! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Carrie Walker talks about bad decisions, difficult consequences, and the joy and hope God can bring within these circumstances. I have to say I love her hook. "God won't give me more than I can handle? I'm pretty sure He just did"?? Yeah.  Love how she twisted that misquoted and applied statement.     Emma's Hero  by Carrie Walker   “God won’t give me more than I can handle? I’m pretty sure He just did.” After a year of loss and bad choices distance Emma Reynolds from her lifelong beliefs, she finds herself pregnant and alone at a twenty-week ultrasound, hearing the words “incompatible with life.” When her son, Theo, survives birth, she fights to give him the best care possible. As each day passes, Emma’s love for Theo grows—along with her fear of losing him. She can’t understand why God allows her son to suffer. Seventeen-year-old blogger, Mason Hughes, feels lonely and worthless after his father left their family years ago. When he ignores his mother’s push to “contribute to society,” she volunteers him to help Emma each week. Wishing he’d applied for any other job, Mason has no choice but to grocery shop and practice his rusty social skills with a mother and son he doesn’t know. Paramedic Ben Sullivan has earned himself the title of “most eligible” bachelor among his friends as they continually set him up on blind dates. While he’d love to avoid the uncomfortable events, his heart can’t help but seek the one thing missing in his life—a marriage like his parents have. If only he could find the woman himself. As Theo’s tiny life connects them to each other, their loneliness breaks under the love of community, and they will never be the same. Learn more about Carrie on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

One of my all time favorite authors has another book coming out in a couple of weeks, and I for one, am crazy excited to see what she's done with this new series!  Listen in to find out what the Time's Lost Treasures series has in store and more about the first book! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Author of Dickens reimaginings, Regency stories from a different perspective, the Blackfriars Lane series, and the Monsters & Men series, Michelle Griep is a genius at pulling unexpected stories from the familiar and unfamiliar both. We chatted about Of Gold and Shadows and how it delves into the Egyptology mania of the 19th century.   I can't wait to see what she does with this series!   Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . . In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces, and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . . "Don't miss all the romance, adventure, and danger in [this] new page-turner."--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author of Shadows of Swanford Abbey Learn more about Michelle 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 learned that Becca Wierwille was taking a trip to Guatemala in Road Trip Return, I knew I was going to like this book!  Listen in to see why Guatemala and what's coming in this sequel to her debut novel! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   Daniel from Road Trip Return is back in this international story of family, friendship, and finding peace with the things that happen in our lives.  Becca shared her own history with Guatemala, how she worked out Daniel's backstory, what is up with Kickstarter, and more! We even got a peek at what's coming next! EEEP!   Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille  A faith-filled international adventure for kids ages 8-12 about facing the past to embrace the future. Daniel likes his life the way it is. Simple. Predictable. And most importantly, just him and his older brother, Mateo. But as Mateo's wedding approaches, life is already changing. And Daniel worries Mateo’s fiancée, Skylar, will ruin everything. When Skylar disappears a week before the ceremony, Daniel’s concerns are confirmed. Skylar is trouble. The wedding must be stopped. Drawing on his twelve years of wisdom, Daniel vows to save his family from disaster. Even if that means traveling to Guatemala—the home of his father, and the last place he ever wanted to visit. 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!

When Marline Williams told me about her book, All Men Are Liars, and explained it was about the Jesus Revolution time in the early seventies, I knew she had a winner.  There's NOTHING out there yet (although I know of another series coming!).  So listen in to see why Williams wrote this book and where the series is going! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   As a very young kid in the seventies (born in 1970) I was pretty clueless to the Jesus Revolution until the early nineties when I met a friend whose husband was a big part of it--her pastor who looked right out of a pop album cover, and really heard about these people who went from "free love" to Jesus' love during the middle of the last long revival America had.   Marline Williams was a part of that movement and uses her experiences and memories to readers of today to that time so we see what total surrender to the Lord can look like in the every day... plus a little romance along the way. The book came out on Sunday and is available in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited!   All Men Are Liars by Marline Williams Hey, Jesus People need love, too! 1973. This is it. The year "dateless" Dana Whitman vows she’ll finally get a Christian boyfriend. At her stuffy Bible college, that means squelching her Jesus freaky ways, her wild child self. To pull this off, she’ll need all her theatrical skills—and some boring conservative threads. So long, funky bell-bottoms. Hello, Brady Bunch miniskirts. No more tambourines in church. No more sidewalk surfing. But the right guy’s worth it. After all, it’s not like she’s lying or anything! It’s just a harmless put-on. Dana fights a freak-out when her prim-and-proper camouflage works a little too well. Neither the devilishly handsome campus Romeo nor the pre-med peacenik were part of her plan. When temptation masquerades as true love, will Dana betray her newfound faith or her free-spirited heart?  Learn more about on  WEBSITE and follow  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!

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!