Historical Bookworm: Recent Episodes

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About the AuthorTessa Afshar’s award‑winning novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into thirteen languages. A recipient of the ECPA Bronze Milestone Award, the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the ECPA Christian Book Award for her Bible study The Way Home, Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co‑chair of the Evangelical Fellowship.

Born in the Middle East to a nominally Muslim family, Tessa came to faith in Christ in her twenties. She is a devoted wife, a self‑proclaimed mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.

Questions:

• Let’s start with something fun. Would you rather read a book series out of order, or watch the movie adaptation before reading the book?
• What practices help keep you grounded when life gets crazy?
• Do you keep a journal? If so, what journaling practices work for you? If not, what reflective practices do you use instead?
• Is there anything especially meaningful you haven’t shared in other interviews—perhaps something God has laid on your heart that you’d like to share with readers?

About the BookSazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa’s finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman’s sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over. Haman’s sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover that the queen’s agent is Jadon—the man who once left her heart in ruins. But danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, far more than their hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

A story of intrigue, romance, and faith set within Queen Esther’s royal domain—perfect for fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt.

Questions* Your novel is set during the Persian period when Esther is queen. How did you research the historical and cultural details of Susa to create an authentic backdrop, and what discoveries surprised you most? * Your book blends biblical events with romantic and suspenseful plotting. What challenges did you face in balancing faithfulness to the source material with crafting an engaging fictional narrative that includes mystery? * What do you hope readers take away from this blend of biblical history, romance, and intrigue? * What’s next for your writing? * Tessa, where can listeners learn more about you?

You can connect with Tessa on her Newsletter and on Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Kelly Goshorn is an old-fashioned girl at heart who loves Jesus, her family, and all things historical. A native Virginian, she developed a deep love for history, exploring battlefields and museums, which eventually led her to write inspirational historical romance. After earning degrees in social studies, education, and history, Kelly spent nearly two decades as a licensed childcare provider before returning to writing – a passion sparked by her youngest son. Her debut novel, A Love Restored, was published by Pelican Book Group in 2018, and her nonfiction piece, “Beautiful Words,” appeared in the Spoken Moments anthology. She lives in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband of 30+ years, Mike. They enjoy BBC period dramas, board games, and spoiling her Corgi, Levi.

You’ve described yourself as, “An old-fashioned girl trapped in the 21st century. How has that shaped your passion for historical fiction?Kelly: As long as I can remember, I’ve loved history. I had a wonderful grandfather who would tell us stories about his life growing up and stories about our ancestors. The random things I’d find – my dad’s World War II Navy picture or my mom’s ration book from World War II – I always found them fascinating.

But I suspect Little House on the Prairie probably had something to do with it. That was my favorite show growing up. If I did anything to get in trouble, all my mom had to do was threaten to take that away. Because back then, we didn’t have unlimited access to shows. If you missed it when it was on, you didn’t get to see it again until summer re-runs.

Then when Laura called Almanzo “Manly” and I discovered historical romance, I think that just sealed the deal.

KyLee: Honestly, that sounds similar to my experience. I had grandpas who were in World War II in the Korean War, and we got to hear all their stories. And I watched a lot of old black-and-white shows, lots of westerns. I love that, as adult women, God’s allowed a way for us to look back on those good memories and the values we developed, and now we’re creating with them.

Can you share how your youngest son inspired you to start writing?Kelly: When the time came to move on from my career as a childcare provider, I wasn’t sure what the next step was, but I sensed from the Holy Spirit that it was not going back to teaching. So my husband and I , and our small group, started praying about it.

Now my youngest son Noah always love to write. He might be watching SpongeBob, but he had a notebook he always carried with him, and he’d be writing some kind of story.

I remember watching Noah one day and thinking how I always loved writing research papers in college and grad school. I thought of myself as hopelessly un-creative, but I loved to play with the sentences, move them around, tweak them. And that day I thought, “I should give fiction a try.”

So I started writing, just for myself, no secret desire to be published. And after a few nights of me sitting in front of the TV with my laptop, my husband asked what I was doing. And when I told him, he wanted to read it, so I let him.

And he said, “This is good, but you should write our story.” Shortly after that, I switched to writing our story, but set in the 1870s, and it became something I couldn’t wait to do each day. I started study the writing craft, and in that process of writing and learning, I realized that was the answer to my prayer. And our story became my debut, A Love Restored.

Darcy: I love how you say discovering your new path was a process. You had your family and church family praying, but the Lord didn’t drop you a note in your lap to “write novels now.” You were curious, and you tried it, and in that, He show you this was what He wanted you to do.

Sometimes we really want the writing on the wall, but God’s like, “No. You’ll find out. Just trust Me on this.” I think that’s cool.

KyLee: I was just about to tell you, Kelly, that you should go on the Hope-Filled Romantic Podcast with Heather Tabers. She and I chat quite a bit, and she just started her podcast for Christian romance lovers who believe in both storybook love and the hope that God provides in real life.

So I was double-checking her podcast name on Instagram, and I see Kelly Goshorn has already been on the Hope-Filled Romantic Podcast! Authors get to share about their books, but also their real-life love stories, if they’re comfortable doing so.

Just a quick shout-out for Heather – our listeners should definitely check out Kelly’s episode on her podcast.

Kelly: And secondary shout-out, I had the privilege of reading and endorsing Heather’s book that just released, Their Burden to Bear. If people like the World War I era, I highly recommend it. A fantastic novel.

Do you have a favorite battlefield or museum or site that you visited that inspired a story scene?Kelly: I’m really inspired by the area where I live in Northern Virginia. Loudoun County has a lot of Revolutionary War and especially Civil War history. We’re in a border county in a border state – the next county over became West Virginia. In the western part of our county, we had Quakers who were pro-union, and we have people who were pro-slavery and voted for Virginia to secede from the union.

If I could set all of my stories here, I would. I have two, A Love Restored and The Christmas Carving set in Loudoun County.

Is there anything especially interesting you could share with us, or something God has laid on your heart that you’d like to share with your readers?Kelly: I like to write about flawed characters that overcome their obstacles with faith and fortitude. Recurring themes in my books are about self-acceptance, and forgiveness, and second chances. The world can be so unforgiving, and we can be so hard on ourselves.

I like to write those kind of stories where you kind of dig inside yourself and your faith, and you come out on the other side. And hopefully readers also find a swoon-worthy romance ’cause I’m a romance girl.

Darcy: I love that. I was actually reading in Luke this morning, the stories of the prodigal son and the scriptures around there where the Pharisees condemn Jesus for hanging out with sinful and unrighteous people.

And I was thinking how we know the story of the lost sheep where Jesus said, “I leave the ninety-nine, and go after the lost one.” Yet, even as we’re trying to follow Jesus, we build this sense of self-righteousness. And then we start comparing: “I’m not as holy as that person. I’m not as far along as this person.”

So I love that you write about flawed characters who learn to accept that. Because God uses flawed people. He says that over and over in His Word.

Book Two in the Enduring Hope series, six stand-alone novels by six different authors, examining manmade catastrophes and how the characters overcome. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be found.

Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers.

Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret.

After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved.

What inspired your heroine, Etta Maxwell – a wealthy heiress living a double life as an undercover reporter?Kelly: I am not a plotter. I never know how the story will go; the Lord kind of brings it all together for me. But one thing I did know is I didn’t want my characters to be employees of the factory because I thought that might take the reader too close to the grittiness of the disaster.

I knew I wanted to make Leo a fireman, and I needed to keep Etta active in the story, so I decided on making her a reporter. Now there were some female investigative reporters, like Ida Tarbell or Nellie Bly, but most female journalists were relegated to domestic or social columns. So I decided Etta would have to masquerade as a man to pull it off.

She also writes for The Gilded Gown, a social magazine in Boston. And her parents let her move back to Brockton and work with their charitable foundation, unaware she is secretly the top-notch reporter Henry Mason.

How did you go about researching this real-life disaster, this shoe factory explosion?Kelly: I started with a list on Wikipedia of manmade disasters in America, and I’m not exactly sure why I clicked on the Grover Shoe factory. I can only say it was the Holy Spirit. And I immediately saw two images: one of this giant factory, four floors that covered three-quarters of a city block, and an after-picture in which literally nothing is left but the smokestack.

And I instantly thought, “Nobody could have survived this. What happened?” I found myself reading more out of my own curiosity. And I just felt like I needed to tell these people’s stories.

I found a document called, The History of the Brockton Relief Fund, which was compiled a couple years after the disaster. And that became my bible, so to speak because it was written so close to the time. Sometimes even newspapers from the time contradicted one another, so this document became my ultimate primary source.

I also found a lot of great information on the Brockton Fire Department through a document online. They have a fire museum there. And I found YouTube documentaries on early 20th-century firefighting and fire investigation techniques. Many of their techniques have now been proven to not be the best way to get to the bottom of an arson, but it’s what they used then.

Oh, and I found great information on the fire dogs and how they were used, why they were Dalmations. It was fun to incorporate so many details into the book.

How do you balance the historical material with the romance?Kelly: It was kind of tricky to build a romance in the midst of such a disaster. It was the beginning of the workday when the fire started, so the building was full – nearly 400 people. And between the broken gas lines and floors treated with linseed oil, they had to call off the rescue within twelve minutes.

Fifty-eight people perished. You almost expect it to be the reverse, that only 58 people survived, because it was just a perfect storm of things contributing to the fire.

So trying to figure out how to put a romance in that, when you don’t want to lighten the gravity of the situation, was tricky. It was another reason to keep my characters outside the factory, and not related to the factory owner or anyone bearing such a heavy weight that they can’t think of romance.

I started the story with fictitious arsonists she’s investigating, and they team up for that. So when the disaster occurred, she already had sources inside the fire department and she’s following leads, which enabled them to have that close proximity needed for a romance.

Darcy: In some ways, the fact that their romance grows out of something so deep and tragic lets us know that these people are not involved in some light infatuation. They can’t hide behind the typical early-romance stage, but have to get to know each other for real.

What’s next for your writing?Kelly: I don’t have any contracts at the moment, but last week I turned in a proposal for a novella collection, along with Carolyn Miller, Angela Couch and Jacinta Meredith. If it’s picked up, it will be four marriages of convenience at Christmas. (You might be able to tell that marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. I will always pick that up to read – it fascinates me.)

And this weekend, I’m working on a proposal for a book about a mail-order groom that’s got some serious You’ve Got Mail vibes.

Where can listeners connect with you?Kelly: I would love to have readers visit my website and sign up for my newsletter. I publish monthly, and I include updates on my writing, but I also cover a new historical romance release each month. I do giveaways. And I like to talk about historical tidbits that history-nerd girls like us enjoy.

If you’re on Facebook and Instagram, you can find me there, probably talking way too much about my Corgis. I love my Corgi dogs. Levi, who we mentioned at the beginning, has sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. So now we have another Corgi puppy named Biscuit.

I also have pages on my website dedicated to extras and historical details for the book. Things that don’t always make it into the story, which I hope readers will enjoy.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White

THE BOOK

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?

Bookworm Review“Oh my giddy gumdrops, this confection of a tale is a sheer delight from beginning to end!

Winsome and whimsical, “Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor” by Roseanna M. White captures all the splendor of the holiday season, from the effervescent joy of childhood to the awe-inspiring wonder of Christ’s birth.

Nods to The Nutcracker will evoke smiles from fans of the classic story as they explore the luxury of an Edwardian Manor and the enchantment of a winter wood, glittering with snow.

If you fancy a Nutcracker suite romance, spend your Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor!”

Read more about Roseanna at her website. (www.RoseannaMWhite.com)

(www.jaimewrightbooks.com)
~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

Thank you, fellow bookworm, for joining us once again! We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Kelly and are excited to check out her book!

If you enjoyed this episode, we hope you’ll subscribe for more on your favorite listening platform, and join our newsletter (see the sidebar). Don’t forget to share it with a fellow historical fiction reader!

Until next time, may you find hope even in challenges!

–KyLee & Darcy

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Award-winning, bestselling author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying. Proud of her heritage, she is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Special Guest Co-Host Heather TabersToday we have someone special joining us. Since Darcy was unable to join for this recording, our friend Heather Tabers stepped in to cohost with KyLee. Heather writes Historical Romance and Children’s Fiction, and she also hosts The Hope-Filled Romantic—a podcast where faith and fiction meet real-life love stories.

And now for the interview with Laura Frantz, discussing her latest novel, The Belle of Chatham. (pronounced “chat-um”)

Is there a word or goal that’s inspiring you in this chapter of life?Laura: You hit it on the head when you opened and said, “How do we pursue God through our writing?” I’m eighteen novels in now, and my pursuit for the Lord is stronger than it was even with my debut novel back in 2009. I just want to honor him with a gift.

He gave the writing gift–it wasn’t one I asked for or really wanted, but it was a sign to me. We’re here to bless and minister to others, and I think the written word does that. So my desire is just to press on. Life is often a spiritual fight, and I just want to finish well.

We don’t know how much time we have. I’m old enough to remember the nation’s bicentennial, which was 1976 and now we’re at 2026. So this is a huge milestone, historically for us as a nation, and personally. Whatever time I have left, hopefully it’s many more years and many more books, I want to pursue God with everything that is in me and try to honor him with every story I write.

Read more: Episode 122: The American Revolution and Family Bonds with Laura Frantz

KyLee: Wow, I admire that. Just to press on, to move forward–whatever’s in front of you, whatever comes your way–just to keep moving towards God.

And you’re speaking specifically towards the books you’re writing, but really that’s applicable to every area of our life, as parents, and spouses, and at work, and everywhere we go. And when I think about pressing on with God, I picture that light in front of us, guiding us.

What is one book that you read last year that really stuck with you and why?Laura: You know, I read a lot of historical fiction, mostly for research, but one thing I’ve gotten invested in is a 24-book series in the general market – Anne Perry’s William Monk Victorian Mysteries. And there’s a reason I invested in that.

My book that releases next January is set in London. I wanted to see how another author, even in a different time period, handled that same setting along the River Thames, and with the police force at that time. So I thought, “Oh, I’ll just read one book.” But there’s a reason Anne Perry is so wildly popular and prolific. She has some of the smartest writing I’ve ever read. So the William Monk series is clean, although a little bit bloody or gruesome at times, but so eye-opening into Victorian England.

Do you have a favorite historical figure who inspires you?Laura: George Washington and also Daniel Boone. Men who were both totally intrepid and stalwart.

George Washington didn’t know that he’d be on our currency now, or we’d name our capital after him. He had no idea he was the great “George Washington.”

And Daniel Boone plays a big part in my heritage. I’m from Kentucky, and recently, I read a document that listed my ancestor as coming into Kentucky with Boone in the latter 18th century. And also George Humes, my ancestor, is credited with teaching surveying to the very young Washington from 1748 to 1750 in Virginia.

So to see how the Lord has allowed me to write so close to my ancestry is such a beautiful thing to me. I don’t understand it, but just seeing my people come alive in history, and with such an amazing godly historical figure like Boone, is truly amazing. This crazy woman in the 21st century is writing about these amazing historical figures, and there’s actually a link. Only God could have done that.

Heather: My family is the McFeeders family, and we came from the Hume Clan, so I have to believe that we’re cousins somehow.

Laura: Long-lost cousins! I love it!

KyLee: You never know what you’ll find when you start digging into your genealogy. I have chills just hearing you found out that one of your ancestors came over with Daniel Boone. Digging back and finding out where your people come from is very exciting.

And is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us?Laura: Years ago I decided that in 2026 my hope was to write a book honoring our country and our founders. Because I’m very proud to be American.

The Lord said He sets us in the times, the seasons, and the places where we’re supposed to be. And to be an American is certainly a privilege, and He’s blessed this country so much in the past, since our founding. So, like I said earlier, I want to press on in the spirit of 1776 and continue carrying that forward and honoring Him.

Our nation is great because it was based on godly principles. That’s why I’m proud to be an American, and hopefully that shines through The Belle of Chatham‘s pages.

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon’s quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers in their home. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides–Patriots and Loyalists–causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae’s friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Torn between her growing love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, Mae leaves the only home she’s ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she’s forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

Can you tell us a little more about Maebel and Coralie (and their love interests)?Laura: I don’t have a sister; I have a younger brother. So it’s fun to create these fictional sisters. In The Indigo Heiress, the bond between my heroine and her sister was extremely tight.

That’s not the case in The Belle of Chatham. You have two very different women, almost the same age, who are nothing alike—different in looks, personality, loyalties.

And their love interests are very different. Mae is in love with a rifleman, who’s from a very different world than herself, and her sister Coralie is infatuated with a British soldier. Which is indicative of where their loyalties lie, Mae with the Patriots, Coralie with the British.

I tried to make it as true to history as possible. Not everyone is close to their sisters, so I wanted to bring that out. How wartime issues can fracture and fray that already-strained relationship.

KyLee: That’s so like real life. As we traverse those long-term relationships, it’s not always easy.

I think sibling relationships are special because you start out so young and go through so many seasons together. I hope that, in the end, Mae and Coralie can find something in common. I have three sisters, and I’m very close with one. With a couple of my little sisters, we’ve had moments where our differences created distance. Now, when I look back over the seasons, I see things she does very differently from me, and I value them. I’ve learned from her and her very different approach to things.

Laura: A beautiful, open-hearted concept. And that bears pondering: “How would Jesus love this person that’s different than me, or that I really want to condemn or distance myself from?” Jesus says we’re to love them anyway, leaning heavily on Jesus to do it.

I don’t know that Mae, in this novel, does that well. She tries. It takes practice, right? And Coralie makes it very interesting.

And it’s relatable to today. We might not be in a war, but we definitely have different political opinions in our nation right now, stronger than they have been in a while. It’s not uncommon to see siblings falling on either side of the aisle.

One thing that grieves me very much, that is even mirrored in this novel, is how people cease to talk to each other. There’s just no relationship anymore. And that’s heartbreaking. That’s a wound that too easily festers.

If we have to be the one that breaks down that wall, in Jesus’ name, to ask for His help and an opportunity to do that, I believe He’ll give it. Just because you’re distant from loved ones, that doesn’t mean it’s forever. Ask the Lord to help you mend that relationship, even if you have to make the first move.

KyLee: Absolutely. Something I keep seeing, that really hurts my heart, is when people are so upset by things that are disturbing, and there’s a sense of powerlessness.

And I’ve found myself saying to other adults what I’ve said to my children for years: Look at your circle. You start small, and it gets bigger. Siblings, spouse, children, friends, church, community, work, and it moves out from there. Pray for the big things, that’s important, and if you are one of those people who has an opportunity to go to a far-away place and make an impact in that circle, do it.

But don’t let what’s so far away from you distract in the circle where God has placed you. Be present where you’re at, and you can make a difference. You can be loving, you can be understanding, you can have respectful conversations, and trust God and encourage other people to trust God.

Heather: That’s such a good word, KyLee. So many times, my heart is so burdened by everything I see on the news. And my husband is faithful to remind me, “Heather, you’re not supposed to know every person that died in North Carolina and California.” People have suffered atrocities all around the world forever. But it wasn’t until recently that we’ve had the technology to know every single one of them, sometimes in real time. And he’s like, “You’re just not supposed to know all these things.”

So I love that you tell people to focus on their circles. I can’t go help everyone, but I can help the people next to me.

KyLee: And every generation has its own burden to bear. God knew that you would be born in this generation with this technology, and He’s equipped you like He’s equipped me.

Laura: I recently heard an author say, “We’re not meant to be omniscient. That’s God’s job.” Social media and the internet have us almost omniscient, so to speak, in a human perspective. We have access to everything around the world.

And I kept hearing him say, “God doesn’t mean for us to be omniscient because it’s very burdensome.” I thought that was a really interesting point.

What’s next for your writing?Laura: Right now is a busy, busy season! I just handed in a 400-page novel set in 1798 London, releasing January of next year. I’m also halfway through a Christmas novella that will be releasing September of 2027, but it’s due this fall. And then I’m beginning another novel set in Colonial America 1733, a totally new setting. So that has me quite busy.

I will also be traveling to England next January.

And then in 2027, I’m leading a tour of some historic sites in the United States. I’ve done England and Scotland, and had a wonderful time with readers. So I’m excited to do a stateside trip this time, and I hope readers can join me.

If you head to my website, LauraFrantz.net, and sign up for my newsletter, about halfway down the home page, you’ll get the tour news and details, as well as book updates. I work hard on my newsletters and try to keep them fun and fresh and interesting.

And where else can readers connect with you?I’m very active on my Facebook author page, and on Instagram. I post every couple days or so on X, but I’m not very active. But most of my followers, interestingly enough, are on Pinterest.

And, I just love my readers. How ever they want to come–through my newsletter or my website or socials–is always welcome to me, a delight.

BOOKWORM REVIEW

The Mistress of the Macabre has penned another five-star stunner!

“Night Falls on Predicament Avenue” features Jaime Jo Wright’s signature blend of atmospheric prose, eerie suspense, and spiritual depth. Black as a mourning veil, this literary cuppa is enriched by the aromatic earthiness of a forgotten graveyard and contrasted with a honeyed note of hope—warm and bright as a candle’s flame, flickering amid shadows.

The authentic characters of Effie and Norah will make readers feel seen and heard, especially those who suffer with anxiety, and the absorbing plot will keep readers turning pages into the wee hours, eager to navigate the mystery’s winding paths of intrigue. The final plot twist ripped a gasp straight from my chest. A literal, audible, GASP! Good gracious, was I well and properly gobsmacked! Wright has truly outdone herself with this haunting tale’s jaw-dropping, mind-reeling, gut-punching conclusion.
If you’re a fan of true crime podcasts and gothic fiction, be sure to visit Predicament Avenue . . . preferably, before night falls!

Read more about Jaime at her website. (www.jaimewrightbooks.com)
~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

If you enjoyed this episode, we hope you’ll subscribe for more on your favorite listening platform, and join our newsletter (see the sidebar). Don’t forget to share it with a fellow historical fiction reader!

And if you really enjoyed this episode and would like to support, you can always buy us a coffee.

Thanks again for joining us for this episode of the Historical Bookworm Show! Join the conversation in the comments, and be sure to connect with Laura Frantz, and our special guest Heather Tabers.

If you really enjoyed the show, you can always Buy Us a Coffee.

Until next time,

KyLee and Darcy

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Today we have the pleasure of sharing an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, the Lit Ladies Podcast. Here is more about their show:

We are three writers and moms exploring how to live out our faith in our literary lives. We span the country—from the coasts to the Midwest—and with different stages of life, careers, and favorite genres, we are sure to cover the literary landscape. In every episode, we’ll discuss books we love, reading life, and writing craft, using the Bible as our guide for beauty, goodness, and truth. New episodes drop every other Friday!

Historical Fiction, War Stories, and What We Sip While We ReadThis Lit Ladies Podcast crossover with the Historical Bookworm team covers why historical fiction matters, how war settings shape stories, and what everyone is reading right now.

Key takeaways

• Historical fiction makes history personal, which helps you see how everyday people lived.
• Accuracy matters most when it grounds the characters and the social pressures of the era.
• War settings work best when the focus stays on human cost, resilience, and the ripple effects on families.
• Reading older books can mean meeting older blind spots, which calls for discernment instead of reflexive dismissal.
• Lesser-known conflicts can add fresh perspective, especially when anchored in solid research.

Welcome to the crossoverKarissa: Hello and welcome to the Lit Ladies Podcast. Today we’re doing a special crossover episode with our friends KyLee Woodley and Darcy Fornier and their historical fiction podcast. We’re so excited to have you here today.

Darcy: So excited to be here. We have so much fun hanging out with you guys.

KyLee: Thanks for the invite. Glad to be here.

Karissa: KyLee Woodley is a podcaster and author of the Outlaw Hearts series, adventure romances set in the American Wild West. Darcy Fornier is a podcaster and author of The Crown and the Axe, and they are both the hosts of the Historical Bookworm podcast, which is in its fifth season. It’s for lovers of inspirational historical fiction, and the show features author interviews, bookish and historical segments, and a wide variety of guests, from Christy Award-winners to high-quality indie authors.

Favorite reading beveragesKarissa: Before we jump in today, I want to know what is everyone’s favorite reading beverage of choice?

Christie: I usually drink water, or else I don’t really drink anything because I’m too busy speed reading. But today for the podcast, since we’re doing it in the morning, I get to drink coffee.

Darcy: Usually coffee. If I said anything else, my sisters would say I was lying. But I also enjoy hot chocolate or tea. Anything hot. I’m not going to be drinking lemonade even in the summer.

KyLee: The nice thing about being in the South is that the AC is always blasting. So it’s hot cocoa, coffee, soup, any time of the day. My current favorite beverage to go with my reading, which I seldom read, but audiobooks, big on audiobooks these days, is the Iced Pecan Crunch Oat Milk Latte. I don’t usually go to Starbucks. I find their coffee very bitter, but this is a blonde espresso. I get it without the foam. It’s too sweet and it takes up too much in my cup.

Karissa: I like to drink herbal tea. That’s my main comfort drink.

Why historical fictionKarissa: What draws you to historical fiction?

KyLee: For me, I like the nostalgia. I grew up very sheltered. We didn’t have a TV until I was 12. My mom would just drop us off at the library, then go shopping, then pick us up whenever. We always had audiobooks or books on tape. When we did get a TV, it was black and white. We watched a lot of black and white shows. For me, I remember those good times with old classic films and literature.

There’s also this idea of, “What was.” Historical and fantasy are best friends because there’s that sense of wonder. But historical is like, this really did happen. This was really true. I like to dig into history and see who someone was, and go back to where they were if that’s possible. I love to research the way people lived and thought, the things they invented, and how resourceful they were.

Darcy: Mine is similar. It’s about the people that came before, and how their stories influenced our lives today. You can go to historical sites and almost touch the lives that they had there. We tend to study history as the big overview. This person was king, these wars happened, all this stuff. Historical fiction lets you dive into what it was like for the day-to-day person. Even if you’re writing about a king, you’re asking what motivated him and what it felt like. People are people as long as they’ve lived.

Karissa: That’s my favorite part too. How did people actually live, what challenges did they face, and what did they wear?

KyLee: I also like when an author challenges what we accept as historical norms. Bring out something different that we wouldn’t expect. Like a female rancher who ran a ranch with hundreds of cowboys.

I heard on a podcast that there was an African-American college in Waco in the 1860s. I had never heard of that. I want to learn the things that go against what people believe as a whole. I want to see the people who were counterculture in their time.

Christie: Whoever wins writes the history book. There’s so much that was lived and done that you don’t know about because it was shut down, or the history books made it seem nice and clean.

Favorite eras and the appeal of time travelKarissa: Christie, do you have a favorite era to read or write about?

Christie: I haven’t read much historical in a while. I used to read a lot of Jen Turano because her voice is funny, witty, and sharp. For an era, late 1800s to 1940s. If there’s too much work to live, it pulls me out. I’m modern. I don’t want to learn about churning butter.

Darcy: A few modern conveniences is okay.

Christie: I would do a castle, like medieval, every now and then.

KyLee: That’s what’s fun about time travel or slip time. You get the comparison. Especially time travel, when someone modern comes into the past and you see how they react to everything.

Karissa: I just discovered Gabrielle Meyer. It’s sort of time travel.

KyLee: In those books, the women exist in two timelines until a certain age. Then they have to choose which timeline they’ll live in. What’s fun is that she explores different eras. You get contrast between two past timelines, like the Civil War and the 1920s.

Christie: I’d choose the ’20s, not the war.

Karissa: I love the Victorian era and the Regency era. I also love reading classics written in the period. You get the perspective of someone who lived in that era and took so much for granted.

Darcy: If you read Jane Austen, she doesn’t explain everything because her readers would understand it. Then you read a Regency novel by a modern author, and they explain everything. It’s cool to do both.

Karissa: Darcy and KyLee, do you have favorite time periods?

Darcy: Medieval is my favorite to read in and write in. Then the Regency era, then the American West. I probably read mostly Westerns. Some people say cowboys are the truest heirs to medieval knights. There are similarities in how unlawful it could feel. There was law in both places, but it only extended so far.

Christie: I watch black and white westerns with my mom. The body count is wild. They’re just shooting people in the street and it’s cool. I would never want to live back then.

KyLee: I overanalyze it too. It’s set in the 1800s, but it was made in the ’40s or ’50s. So I’m thinking about their worldview and ideologies, and how that shaped what they presented.

Christie: They’re pretty racist. Sometimes I’m like, how is this still on TV?

Darcy: Everything we write is a product of our time. It’s just more glaring the further back you go.

KyLee: I started Gone with the Wind. It’s too long for my taste. Some language made me pause.

Karissa: We never see the sins of our own era. Our descendants will look back and see the sins of today.

Darcy: Grace Livingstone Hill wrote in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You see elements of racism and classism, and ideas like bloodline influencing character. Looking through modern eyes, it’s horrible. She’s still one of my favorites because her stories are sweet and encouraging in faith, but you see how even a good person is a product of their time.

KyLee: That’s why it’s important to be kind. I’m not going to stop reading her because I can see flaws. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Karissa: That comes up in English teaching too. How do you teach classics responsibly without canceling them completely?

War settings in historical fictionKarissa: I wanted to talk about books set during wars. We see a lot set with the backdrop of World War II. Do you have a favorite war setting to read about, and any favorite books?

KyLee: I’ve always been drawn to the Civil War. When I was growing up, there were quite a few Civil War movies and books in the Christian genre. The brother against brother aspect pulls me in. As an adult, I look at the events that led up to it and grimace, hoping history doesn’t repeat itself.

More recently, the Franco-Prussian War, partly because some of my ancestors’ sisters came over during that time. It only lasted about a year. France declared it, and France lost. Their people suffered.

Germany demanded huge remunerations in gold. By today’s standards, I did the math before we started, it was about 84 to 95 billion dollars. (FACT CHECK – In today’s purchasing power, estimates for that 5 billion francs generally range between $80 billion and $100 billion USD.) France had promised not to tax people during the war, but afterward they charged back taxes. There was a civil uprising in Paris, and a week-long massacre called the Bloody Week.

That history comes into book one of the Outlaw Heart series. It’s lesser known French history. My people were German, and my characters are French, but I was fascinated by it. You don’t hear about that war as much.

Darcy: That’s obscure for Americans because it didn’t affect us directly, so it doesn’t make it into our history books. But it made a huge difference in Europe.

KyLee: My dad’s side always wrote Prussia on census records, not Germany. That led me to dig into where Prussia was and how that history unfolded.

Writing trauma and war without being gratuitousKarissa: What challenges did you find writing about something so difficult in a way that worked for your story?

KyLee: The main character in book one, Lorraine, lived through the Bloody Week. She’s in America now. I looked at where she is as an immigrant and how she tries to settle when there is nothing left for her in France.

People were rounded up, imprisoned, and shipped off to New Caledonia, a penal colony near Australia, I believe. No trial. Later, there were pardons, but many people were still imprisoned because they were never tried, and their names were never even taken down.

Lorraine is haunted by the past and has post-traumatic stress disorder. She refuses to speak English even though she understands it. She holds tightly to French roots, clothing, and food, and stays close to other French people. Jesse challenges her to put down roots in a country where she feels like an alien.

That Bible phrase kept coming up to me, be kind to the immigrant, the alien, the foreigner. Remember when you were in Egypt and you were a stranger in a strange land.

For research, I relied on as many documents as I could find, plus academic papers written about the Bloody Week and why it happened. I want to respect history and the people who lived it.

Karissa: I love how you included the war because we feel the weight she carries without putting everything on the page in an overly graphic way.

Christie: The Bandit’s Redemption is the first in the series. It has such a pretty cover too.

Darcy: It’s such a good one.

Darcy’s pick: World War IIKarissa: Darcy, do you have a favorite war setting?

Darcy: Probably World War II, because it’s so vast. You have the European theater and the Pacific theater, plus the home front in America and Britain. Every time I pick up a World War II book, it’s like, “I did not know that.”

The Civil War is hard for me. I grew up in Georgia, and in some places it feels like it happened this century. It was my country. World War II lets me detach a bit more.

I did read one Civil War book by Rosanna M. White that was fabulous, Dreams of Savannah. It handled the loyalty conflict very gracefully.

Karissa: What makes a good war book?

Christie: Accuracy doesn’t matter much to me because I’m not going to catch mistakes. I want characters and their journeys, battles and close calls, romance, and a happy ending.

Darcy: I appreciate historical facts because I want to be grounded in the setting. But if I’m reading fiction, I’m there for story and characters. I want to see what the war is doing to them, to their society, to their family, and how it changes their lives.

KyLee: I want it at the character level too. I also like seeing people on both sides. I want everyday heroes, and small choices that mattered. I also love surprising historical technology I didn’t know about.

Karissa: Accuracy matters to me, but not at the expense of story. I just want what happens to feel believable for the era. In Regency romances, for example, two people being alone in a room can be a big deal. A kiss behind a barn could ruin lives.

Darcy: Historical characters in books sometimes have a modern disregard for societal pressure, which is inaccurate. We all feel societal pressure today too. It’s just different pressures.

When classics meet modern retellingsChristie: Karissa, you like reading the Brontës because they wrote in that time. Do they have stolen kisses, or is it different because they were writing then?

Karissa: If it’s Emily and Wuthering Heights, it’s more dramatic and Gothic. With Jane Eyre, I think it’s more bound by the era.

Darcy: If someone did a modern retelling, I think they’d put stolen kisses in.

KyLee: It depends on the character and how they were raised. There were orphanages and homes for widows who were pregnant, and women who had gotten pregnant outside marriage. There are records showing pregnancies starting before marriage dates in some places in the 1700s.

On the whole, the societal expectation mattered. So you need to look at your character. If she’s proper and ladylike, she probably won’t have modern levels of physical intimacy.

Karissa has proofread my stuff and told me, this would never happen. She was right. It pushes you to be creative. Make the little things special too.

Karissa: What might seem small to us might be very steamy to someone in the Regency era. Like touching a hand without a glove.

Darcy: He’ll be proposing within the week.

War book recommendations and lesser-known conflictsChristie: I read The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski. That was during the Russian Revolution in 1917. I remember really liking that one.

Darcy: Rosemary Sutcliff does this well in her books about Britain after Rome officially withdrew. It spans generations. The first is The Eagle of the Ninth. It’s technically YA and she wrote in the 1950s or ’60s. Sword at Sunset is an adult book with some adult content. She personalizes the conflict and shows conflicting loyalties, and friendships across cultures. It’s history, not fantasy.

Karissa: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. Not to be confused with anything else. It’s YA historical set during World War II, but it focuses on Stalin’s reign and deportations to Siberia. It takes place in Lithuania and the Baltic states, where there were multiple occupations. It’s about a girl whose family is sent to a prison camp.

I studied abroad in Lithuania, so that history sticks with me. Ruta Sepetys researches a lot and her books are well done.

Kelly mentioned The Women by Kristin Hannah, set during the Vietnam War.

Darcy: I had someone tell me she read The Women three times because it was so good. It’s on my list. My sister highly recommends Kristin Hannah. She read The Nightingale and said it was worth the pain.

Christie: I need happy ones. I can only do one super tearjerker a year.

What everyone is currently readingKyLee: I borrowed The Dark of the Moon by Fiona Valpy. I’ve read The Dressmaker’s Gift and The Beekeeper’s Promise by her. They’re World War II, like French resistance. Melanie Dobson does this well too, like The Curator’s Daughter, a time slip about a woman married to a Nazi soldier.

I like books that feel sobering, like they changed my life. I also borrowed Angel from the East by Barbara A. Curtis. I borrowed The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson, a World War II story about a lady who helps rescue Jewish children.

Darcy: I just finished The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender by KyLee Woodley. I had never read it cover to cover. I helped brainstorm, and apparently the villain is my fault. I enjoyed it so much.

I’m also reading a contemporary by Becky Wade, Turn to Me, in her Misty River romance series set in Northeast Georgia. I know exactly what she’s describing.

Christie: I’m reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.

Karissa: I’m listening to the audiobook of Long Bright River by Liz Moore. It’s about a police officer in Philadelphia. Her sister struggles with addiction, then goes missing. There are flashbacks and a modern timeline, plus mysterious murders. I can’t stop listening.

Where to find Historical Bookworm and Lit LadiesKyLee: You can connect with us at HistoricalBookworm.com. You can find me at KyLeeWoodley.com and Darcy at DarcyFornier.com

Darcy: I’m most active on Instagram, DarcyFornierWriter

Karissa: Thank you for joining us today on our literary journey. If you love the podcast, share it with a friend and rate and review. And don’t forget to follow us on social media at Lit Ladies Pod.

Our quote today is from Barbara Tuchman: “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled. Thought and speculation are at a standstill.”

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In this episode, KyLee and Darcy share a few holiday highlights, then KyLee sits down with author Julie Klassen to talk about research, faith, and her latest Regency release.

Key takeaways

• Holiday traditions can be simple, and still feel special.
• Teachers and read-aloud stories can shape a reader and a writer for life.
• Julie Klassen weaves themes of grace, forgiveness, and second chances into her fiction.
• Real places and local legends can add weight and texture to historical novels.
• Whispers at Painswick Court blends romance with gothic atmosphere and a murder plot.
• Holiday baking, hot chocolate, and an Instagram invite
• A Bookworm Review of The Lost Girl of Astor Street, Stephanie Morrill

KyLee: Today I will be talking with Julie Klassen. Darcy will not be with us because she’s gone to spend some time with her family.

We’re recording this beforehand, and Darcy, we are about 10 days until Christmas. I know you are full of Christmas cheer and doing tons of Christmas things. No, that is not true. Darcy and I were talking about how it feels like the season has not quite started because we have been so busy.

However, there are a couple special things we would like to share with you.

Darcy: The most Christmas-y thing I am doing this year is making hot chocolate over and over at the ice cream shop. I’m not complaining — I love hot chocolate. I love making it, frothing the milk and everything.

I am really looking forward to visiting my sister for Christmas. She lives five hours away. We see each other regularly through the year, but I’m going to spend a whole week at her place with my younger sister. The three of us will be hanging out.

She has to work, so we’ll probably be doing some reading during the day. I have a couple of Christmas novellas picked out, one by Rosanna White. I’m looking forward to relaxing and doing Christmas-y things after I get the chaos behind me.

KyLee: Do you ever throw something in with your hot chocolate, or make it different?

Darcy: I’m very classic. I like to stir it with a candy cane and let that slowly melt in. So it’s like a peppermint hot chocolate.

KyLee: I only ask because I started baking while procrastinating on preparing for this episode. I had this idea to take peanut butter cookies, make them a little bigger, and put a Reese’s cup in the middle. Like you put a chocolate kiss in the middle. We got Reese’s cups and they were PB&J, which I’m not the biggest fan of. I thought, let’s see if I can make this work. I get halfway through the recipe. I have my sugar out, shortening measured, flour measured, and I have no peanut butter. I do not know how this happened in my house.

My oldest has a pretty severe allergy to milk that affects her esophagus. Finding things like proteins is something we’re constantly trying to do. I pulled out some plant-based chocolate protein powder and mixed that in with the cookies, then cooked them up. They are so good.

They are a little heavy on the sugar. Along with having my daughter with this severe allergy, my husband has diabetes. So I rarely bake. I was procrastinating and it is Christmas time, so I broke that out. He tried them against my recommendation. He hates coconut, and since it is plant-based, it has coconut, so he does not want them. So it worked out.

Darcy: I love that you are improvising with your holiday baking. This may be a new tradition. You might end up making these chocolate-protein-powder cookies every Christmas now.

KyLee: They might be the start of a beautiful Christmas dessert. For our listeners, we are going to do something fun. Pop over to Instagram, on the Historical Bookworm Podcast page. On Instagram, it is Historical Bookworm Podcast, not Historical Bookworm Show. You will find a picture of my cookies, and Darcy, a picture of some hot chocolate.

Darcy: Yes, absolutely.

KyLee: We would love to see pictures of your sweet treats that you are making this holiday season. Now we are going to get on to the show with Julie Klassen.

Meet Julie KlassenJulie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

KyLee: Julie, welcome to the Historical Bookworm Show.

Julie: Thank you, KyLee. I’m happy to be here.

The most Jane Austen thing, besides tea

KyLee: Tea drinking goes without saying for an Anglophile. What is the most Jane Austen thing, other than drinking tea, that you might incorporate into your daily life?

Julie: True confessions, I do not drink as much tea as I’m probably alleged to do. I am a coffee drinker. Normally it is coffee in the morning, and then I might switch to tea. I just went to the Jane Austen Christmas and birthday party for my local Jane Austen Society of North America meeting and drank lots of tea. Today I drank lots of tea, but it’s not usual.

I don’t incorporate a lot of things from the Regency era into my real life because I like my computer and technology. A few things I do. I love candles. I’m not a writer who writes with music or soundtracks, but I do love to burn sweet-smelling candles when I write. If we’re talking about Christmas, then I do love to go to church. We have candlelit services. Charity was very big in the Jane Austen time during Christmas in general. Those kinds of things I am a fan of, but I also like modern medicine and other ways of modern life.

KyLee: I agree with you about the modern thing. There is something homey and romantic about candles. Aromatherapy would be great for when you are writing.

Julie: I do enjoy it.

Ordinary people who leave a lasting impact

KyLee: Jane Austen’s characters are average people with ordinary lives, often drawn from real life observations. Can you tell us about a time an ordinary person left a lasting impact on your life?

Julie: There are a lot. I’ll name teachers. Mrs. Hayes read Jane Eyre to us out loud over several weeks in the sixth grade. That cemented my love of all things English, British literature. Even though I grew up in Illinois, she had a big impact on me. Later, Mrs. Mitchell, a high school writing English teacher, encouraged me in my writing. I am still connected with both of those women online, and I send them my books every year.

KyLee: Teachers have a big impact on our lives. There is something special about having a story read aloud to you. It builds trust and imagination. I am a teacher, so I try to read out loud to my students often. I read to them every day. When my children were younger, I read out loud to them too. They don’t really let me do that anymore.

How faith and writing intersect

KyLee: Could you share a little bit about how faith and writing intersect for you?

Julie: I came to Christ later, in my 20s. A lot of my books carry similar themes of grace, forgiveness, second chances, things that I appreciate in my own life. God was very generous to me and wooed me and called me and saved me when I was not interested in Christianity. I try to weave those kinds of things into my books. I have imperfect characters who make mistakes, because that is what I did and continue to do. I am grateful for His mercy, and I try to weave that into all of my books.

KyLee: It makes sense that you would share those experiences. We write what we know.

Real history, and writing historical fiction versus fantasy

Is there anything especially interesting you haven’t covered in other interviews for this book?

Julie: One of the things I love about being a historical writer is that, even though I am writing fiction, I love to base things on what was really happening. My book is set in a real place called Painswick in England. Someone praised me about how I continue to show great historical medical knowledge. I laughed because I have zero real medical knowledge, but it shows I have to do a lot of research. For this book, the main character is a surgeon’s daughter. She is trying to serve as a sick room nurse to an older woman.

It was a fun connection that Jenner, who came up with the smallpox vaccination, was related to Painswick. I did not know that when I made the setting there. It was interesting to include some real history about medical practices. I do a lot of research, but I am not a medical expert.

KyLee: You do your research and write those characters and that story, and it takes off. Weaving in historical details makes a difference. I am a fan of fantasy too, but I like that historical fiction is anchored in the way it really was.

Julie: In fantasy, you have to build that whole world. In historical, I have anchors, but you still have to build the world for the story. I don’t think I could be a fantasy writer. You would have to make up all your rules and keep track of it.

KyLee: I would have to have lists of rules, then I would lose the list and find it a decade later on my computer.

Julie: You and I have a similar organizational system. There are so many resources in historical. I can check if a word is too modern. I can see if Jane Austen used it.

Whispers at Painswick CourtKyLee: Let’s talk about your latest release, Whispers at Painswick Court.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon’s daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne’s sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia’s spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady’s maid.

Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer—and protect her heart—before it’s too late?

KyLee: Somehow the title did not prepare me for the secrets to include a murder plot. Anne has medical knowledge at her disposal. Why has she set her heart on remaining single?

A heroine committed to the single life

Julie: Women in that time period, in general, their main goal was to marry and marry well. There were not a lot of options for women. Anne has gotten a taste of helping others and having a greater purpose than marriage. She thinks that because she has a sister who married in an arranged marriage and is unhappy. That’s been her example.

Her young stepmother is trying to marry Anne off to completely inappropriate men. Men who are strangers, far too old, and not at all suitable. Men who want a wife and do not appreciate Anne’s qualities. She’s determined that marriage is not for her. In that time period, many marriages were more like business arrangements. She does not want to marry for those reasons. She does not want to give up helping others and using the knowledge she has. The men interested in her would expect her to give that up to be their wife.

KyLee: She found something she loves. Being pulled away from that would be heartbreaking.

Julie: In a different world, she would have loved to be a doctor, a physician, a surgeon. She is smart enough and capable enough, but that was not an option for women. This is as close as she can get.

The men in Anne’s orbit

KyLee: There seem to be several gentlemen of interest. Two nephews of Lady Celia, and a young doctor who admires Anne. Could you sketch a quick portrait of each?

Julie: Anne and her sisters spent summers in Painswick because her grandparents lived there. She knows the two grown nephews from her younger days.

One is very handsome and charming, and untrustworthy. Jude Dalby is the man her sister fell in love with years ago. His aunt said no, you are not going to marry this surgeon’s daughter with very little money. So Anne has resentment toward him. The other nephew is a former military man. They were friends. He takes a shine to her and vice versa, but it is more of a friendship. There are actually two doctors in the story. Both doctors have secrets. The one who takes an interest in Anne has other stuff going on, so he cannot be forthcoming right away. Anne has to review her plan for her life. Sometimes God has other plans. She has to reevaluate if there is a way for her to have both marriage and purpose.

KyLee: Which is the happily ever after we hope for.

Julie: When you read a Julie Klassen book, you are going to have a happily ever after. It’s pretty much guaranteed.

Gothic atmosphere, real legends, and place-based history

KyLee: Did this book uncover any new historical tidbits, or give you an opportunity to weave in detail you had not shared before?

Julie: There is poison involved, so I had to research those things. I love that the setting, Painswick, has real history I could weave in. The house I based it on is a real place with gothic legends surrounding it for generations. King Charles I stayed there, and people report seeing his ghost around the house and the adjacent churchyard. I am not that interested in ghosts except the Holy Spirit, but it is a well-known legend, and he really did stay in the house. The old house had jail cells in the basement because it used to be used as a courthouse. Prisoners were sent there. I love when I can take something real and weave it into the novel. I think it makes the world more believable and more real for readers.

KyLee: Especially when there is somewhere they can go. If you can’t go to England, you can use street view and at least have an idea of what it looks like.

Julie: Painswick has a beautiful church and a churchyard that is famous. It has 99 yew trees, and there is legend around it. If they plant another to make it 100, one of the other ones will die, and they will have to cut it down. I did not know yew has lore around it. It is a symbol for eternal life. It is also used for poison. I love to weave in that symbolism. You can Google it and see beautiful pictures.

KyLee: I did not know yew wood was poisonous either. That will be handy if it is part of the murder plot.

What’s next for Julie Klassen

KyLee: What is next for your writing, looking forward to 2026?

Julie: I turned in my draft for the 2026 novel. Most of my books have been standalone. Whispers at Painswick Court is a standalone, and the 2026 book is also a standalone. It’s not a murder mystery, per se, but it’s a romantic story set on the coast of North Cornwall. It has gothic elements, bumps in the night, rumors, smugglers, those kinds of good things. It’s more of a romance with those gothic elements.

It’s set to come out in December of 2026. The title is The Widow of Woodlark Cottage. It’s about a woman who rents Woodlark Cottage on this estate. There are a couple of men with different agendas and a lot of other things going on.

Connect with Julie: Newsletter, Pinterest, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

Bookworm review: The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill

In “The Lost Girl of Astor Street,” Stephanie Morrill combines a gusty heroine, chronic illness representation, a swoony detective, feuding mafia families, and raw emotion into a gripping YA mystery that’ll keep readers guessing till the very end.

Fans of first-person narratives will fall for Piper Sail’s vibrant voice that practically zings off the page. Determined and devoted, Piper is a compelling character sure to win readers’ hearts as they’re immersed in her dualistic world of Chicago amid the Roaring Twenties.

If you love to hunt for clues with gumshoes and amateur sleuths, join the search for The Lost Girl of Astor Street!

Read more about Stephanie at her website. (www.stephaniemorrill.com)

~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

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Today we are joined by two guests to chat about the latest book they have co-written, An Unexpected Grace Book 3 in the Jewels of Kalispell series. We’ve visited with both of them individually before, and we’re so excited to have them on together today.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty fiction and nonfiction books. She has won The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and has finaled in the Selah Awards and the Spur Awards. She is passionate about Bible study, reading, music, cooking, and pretty-much-all-things-crafty. Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

Co-Writers and FriendsIt’s fascinating what makes a good co-writing team, and Tracie and Kim are no exception. They start the interview by sharing about their process, and how they each contribute to research and writing; but, more than that, they share how their friendship supports them in all areas of their lives.

Kalispell, MontanaAs we discuss the third book in this series, Tracie and Kim share about their time in the northern Montana town of Kalispell. Each of the books features a particular landmark of the historic town — in this case, the opera house. We learn more about the settling of Montana, what kept Kalispell on the map, and all about their research trip to the opera house.

When Callings ClashAn Unexpected Grace explores what it means to be called by God to a particular path in life — and how those callings sometimes clash with those closest to us. Tracie and Kim never neglect the faith thread in their stories, even diving into complex aspects of our faith.

A Show-Stealing Side CharacterWhen we asked Tracie and Kim if they had a favorite side character in this story, they both immediately came up with the same name. Learn which character stole their hearts (and readers’), and why they’ve come to love her so much.

Connect with Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse at their websites, where you can find their newsletters, blogs, and social media links.

About the BookCan unexpected grace lay the foundation for a second chance at love?

After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom’s Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. He can’t help but wonder if there might still be a place for him in her heart.

Widowed for three years, Johanna devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she desires to move on, but reconnecting with her past love leaves her unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God’s distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite, and when strange things start happening around town, their second chance at a life together seems more unlikely than ever.

Other episodes with Tracie and Kim:

• A Bookchat about A Love Discovered with Tracie Peterson
• A Bookchat about Remember Me with Tracie Peterson
• Episode 38: Guest Tracie Peterson with Beyond the Desert Sands
• Exploring History and Faith with Author Traci Peterson
• Remember Me by Tracie Peterson
• A Bookchat about Set In Stone with Kimberley Woodhouse
• A Bookchat about A Mark of Grace with Kimberly Woodhouse
• A Bookchat about A Gem of Truth with Kimberley Woodhouse
• Bookworm Review: A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse

Bookworm ReviewWritten in Secret by Crystal Caudill, reviewed by Angela Bell

Castle meets Miss Scarlet & the Duke in this rollicking tale of love and danger!

Set in Gilded Age Cincinnati, this historical romance features a spunky dime novelist, exacting poetic justice with her pen, and a straitlaced police officer, investigating a string of literary-inspired murders. When the pair are forced to work together to stop a killer, sparks fly as they debate the difference between justice and vengeance.

Fans of Jen Turano and Michelle Griep will love Caudill’s unique blend of humorous shenanigans, quirky characters, action-packed mystery, sarcastic wit, and an enemies-to-more romance with all the banter.

If you fancy a book brimming with flirtation, faith, and firearms, Written in Secret is sure to be your cup of tea!

THE AUTHOR

Crystal Caudill is a tea-drinking, book-hoarding, history nerd. Her award-winning stories are ripe with history, danger, love, and hope. When not writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her husband and boys, caregiving for loved ones, hiding in a book, drinking copious amounts of hot tea, or connecting with readers. Read more about Crystal at her website.

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Grace Hitchcock is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives near New Orleans on a hobby farm with her husband, Dakota, sons and daughter.

Regency England — Austen or Heyer?Grace Hitchcock joins us for a conversation about all things Regency England. While Jane Austen may be the first name to pop to mind, Grace loves the adventure and humor of author Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances. We discuss what characters Grace would love to have tea with, and what aspect of Regency society made her devise a cheat sheet to keep it straight.

Every Story Needs Some LaughterKnown for the fun and humor woven alongside the serious situations in her books, Grace shares how she weaves that humor into her stories — often at her character’s expense.

A Mismatched CoupleWith a relatively staid and traditionally minded hero and an ambitious heroine who is quite “inventive” when it comes to solving her problems, the novel we discuss today, To Kiss a Knight, promises a fun and adventure-filled romance. Grace gives us an inside peek into what makes these two characters themselves — and how they’ll be perfect for each other.

Connect with Grace at her website, where you can sign up for her newsletter and receive a free novella, and on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon.

ABOUT THE BOOK To Kiss a KnightVivienne Poppy’s plans are working out quite well. She’s run away from her family and the prospect of a horrid marriage of convenience and plans to spend her time writing under her pseudonym, Lady Larkby. Until she discovers the old Larkby title is not as dead as she thought.

Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted Sir Sebastian Larkby is stunned to discover a Lady Larkby that he does not remember marrying. Suddenly Vivienne is left with a choice: relinquish her pen name, expose her true identity, and break Sebastian’s dying grandmother’s heart—or feign marriage to Sebastian to keep the title and fulfill the old woman’s wishes.

This witty novel from award-winning author Grace Hitchcock is filled with scandal, mishap, and just the right amount of romance.

Other episodes that feature Grace:

A Bookchat about His Delightful Lady Delia with Grace Hitchcock & a Review of The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel – Historical Bookworm

A Bookchat about To Catch a Coronet with Grace Hitchcock – Historical Bookworm

Bookworm Review “Piper Sail is BACK, and she’s still the cat’s pajamas!

In The Secret Investigator of Astor Street, Stephanie Morrill distills atmospheric prose, the nuances of grief, complex family drama, undiluted emotion, and the shadowed back-alleys of 1920’s Chicago into an intoxicating YA mystery riddled with more twists than a speakeasy escape tunnel.

Readers of “The Lost Girl of Astor Street” will thrill at being reunited with the intrepid Piper Sail as she takes a magnifying glass to a maybe murder, doggedly searching for the truth and a sense of purpose.

If you’re in need of a private eye with moxie and heart, The Secret Investigator of Astor Street is on the case!!”

~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as two historical young adult novels, The Lost Girl of Astor Street and Within These Lines. Within These Lines was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, as well as a YALSA 2020 Best Fiction for Young Adults pick. Since 2010, Stephanie has been encouraging the next generation of writers at her website, GoTeenWriters.com, which has been on the Writer’s Digest Best Websites for Writers list since 2017. She lives in the Kansas City area, where she loves plotting big and small adventures to enjoy with her husband and three children.

Read more about Stephanie at her website. (www.stephaniemorrill.com)

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A country girl, born and raised on a farm in the Outer Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of many novels, including historical novels, mysteries, non-fiction, and books for young adult readers. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm’s fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley.

A Decades-Long CareerAnn takes us back to her early days writing, and describes how she came to publish her first novel and discover this was something she would continue doing her whole life long. She includes a few details from the story that she says she’s never shared in an interview before.

Kentucky Hot SpringsAs a native of Kentucky, Ann loves finding new and interesting history to explore in her home state. Her latest novel, The Pursuit of Elena Bradford, takes us to Graham Springs, a natural hot spring known as “The Saratoga of the West” during the mid-1800s. She shares some of her research about the founder of this spa-like vacation destination tucked in rural Kentucky.

Complex CharactersElena Bradford, heroine of Ann’s latest book, is torn between two men — and the duty she owes to her family. Ann discusses the backstory and motivations of her characters, setting the stage for a people-driven story in a lush and luxurious historical setting.

Connect with Ann at her website, where you can subscribe to her newsletter, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, and Bookbub.

Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined.

At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities–including dances almost every evening.

As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.

When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.

With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.

Bookwork Review of Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green“Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green is a sweeping period drama that combines PTSD representation, nods to classic literature, a murder mystery, and poignant spiritual themes into an immersive tale of sisterhood and starting over.

Fans of The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano will be moved by the heart-rending depiction of a 19th century insane asylum, and history lovers will be captivated by Green’s scrupulous research and atmospheric prose, which transpose historical events from sepia toned facts to emotive human experiences awash in vivid color.

If you’ve ever been curious about The Great Chicago Fire, allow Jocelyn Green to spin you a harrowing tale Veiled in Smoke!”

~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

About the AuthorJocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, pie, the color red, and reading with a cup of tea. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

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Christine knew she wanted to write the day she finished Anne of Green Gables and she’s been lost in her imagination ever since. Winner of the ACFW 2022 Genesis contest for Historical Romance, she also won the 2021 West Coast Christian Writers Golden Goldie Best-in-Conference award. She lives in Ontario on a hobby farm with her family and a herd of entitled goats. When she’s not writing, she teaches high school French and tries out historical recipes on her (mostly) willing family. Follow her for more adventures in 19th-century life.

Farm Life Ideals to Farm Life RealityFrom a childhood in rural Canada, Christine eventually made her way to the big city of Toronto where she lived for several years before the country called her back. She shares how she and her family found a farming style that works for them — and the trials along the way.

French Literature BackgroundA student of German and French, with a graduate degree in comparative literature, Christine shares some classic French writers she enjoys — and learns from — as she continues her writing and teaching careers.

Hands-On ResearchEver wondered what it was really like to wash clothes the old-fashioned way? Christine did — so she researched it and gave it a try. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at what being a laundress was like.

Canada’s Early FormationChristine takes us on a tour of the political upheaval her characters face in The Lawyer and the Laundress. For Canadian school children, this is a well-known story. American readers may discover a new-to-them piece of history about how our neighbor to the north became the nation it is today.

About the Book The Lawyer and the LaundressLawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected solution: become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady.

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.

Connect with Christine Hill Suntz on her website, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and on Instagram, Facebook, and Amazon.

Bookworm Review All My Secrets by Gabrielle Meyer“Masterfully crafted and beautifully executed, “In This Moment” is a book you simultaneously want to binge read and linger in forever!

Gabrielle Meyer is a pioneer in the world of historical fiction, and she’s breaking new ground with the Timeless series. Her attention to historical detail is astounding, immersing the reader in all three time periods. Her heroine Maggie is at once remarkable and relatable, experiencing a fantastical journey we can only imagine while exploring tender emotions and questions of faith we know all too well.

In conclusion, I’d hereby like to bestow all the stars I’ve denied to other books on “In This Moment” because five stars just isn’t enough for this mind-blowing novel!

If you’re looking for an un-put-down-able story, In This Moment is a must read!”

~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

THE AUTHOR

Gabrielle Meyer has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

Read more about Gabrielle at her website. (www.gabriellemeyer.com)

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Dana McNeely, a passionate writer of biblical fiction, invites readers into a world where ancient Bible stories come alive with adventure, danger, and romance. Despite never visiting the Holy Land personally, she relies on a vast collection of books and videos to authentically bring ancient tales to life. Whether you’re a long-time fan of biblical fiction or new to the genre, Dana McNeely invites you to deepen your faith through the power of storytelling.

Discovering Inspiration in for Authentic SettingsKyLee and Dana discuss how Dana’s Arizona home, with its varied landscapes and desert climate, parallels the vivid settings of her novels. This real-world inspiration bridges the gap between past and present, enriching her storytelling with grounded authenticity.

Beyond the Writing OfficeFamily traditions, particularly during Christmas, hold a special place in Dana’s heart. She shares how her family gathers to celebrate in grand style, complete with elaborate decorations and nativity scenes collected over the years. These cherished moments with family are a theme reflected in her stories, as well.

The Journey to Biblical FictionDana’s journey into biblical fiction was paved with other genres that just didn’t quite captivate her interest. Her spiritual practices—spending quiet time with the Bible—sparked the inspiration for her writing. The story of the prophet Elijah bringing the widow’s son back to life captivated her imagination, laying the foundation for her debut novel. Her writing endeavors aim not only to entertain but also to inspire readers to explore the Bible themselves, overcoming misconceptions and diving into the source material with renewed curiosity.

A Shift to the New TestamentDana’s first three books, including Mantle which is featured today, have been drawn from Old Testament stories. For her next project, she steps into the New Testament to tell the story of Anna, the prophetess. Excited to bring to life an older woman’s perspective, Dana delves into a narrative enriched by Anna’s experiences, wisdom, and the unique relationships she forms in the temple.

Connect with Dana McNeely at her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and BookBub. Sign up for her newsletter to receive a free novella, “The Eyes of the Lord,” a prequel that offers more depth to her beloved series.

In the aftermath of Elijah’s fiery ascension, the mantle of prophecy rests heavily on Elisha’s shoulders. Called to shepherd Israel through turbulent times, he faces challenges from rulers, prophets, and even the people closest to him.

Jaedon, who has shadowed Elisha since boyhood, is torn between loyalty to the prophet and his deepening desire to right a grievous wrong. As the young vintner struggles to understand why Yahweh allowed his family’s murders, he considers a step toward revenge that will jeopardize his relationship with the man he regards as an elder brother.

Gehazi, whose faith sometimes flickers, is tempted by the promise of wealth and power. His actions threaten to tear him away from the very blessings he sought to protect.

Meanwhile, Ziva, an innocent girl in the sleepy settlement of Gischala, is swept into a world filled with uncertainty and danger. With unimaginable loss behind her, she struggles to look beyond her grief to find God’s will. It is then she realizes only one path remains.

Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle?

Bookworm ReviewOf Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle, reviewed by Angela Bell

Listen to the full episode A Bookchat about Of Love and Treason with Jamie Ogle

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You can listen to Jane’s chat about her book Beneath the Bending Sky from when she was on the show in 2022 by following this link.

Jane Kirkpatrick, a New York Times and CBA best-selling author, graced the Historical Bookworm Show with her engaging presence. With over 40 successful books under her belt, including Beneath the Bending Skies and A Sweetness to the Soul, Jane captures the essence of historical fiction, earning prestigious awards such as the Western Heritage Center’s Wrangler Award and the Will Rogers Gold Medallion.

Exploring New BeginningsJane recently returned to the Pacific Northwest, settling into familiar surroundings with her husband Jerry, and their dog Rupert. Despite the challenges of being a caregiver and juggling multiple responsibilities, Jane finds solace in her nature walks and mindfulness exercises—practices that ground her amidst life’s complexities.

Roots and InfluencesJane’s career as a writer began during her 17-year tenure at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in Oregon. Surrounded by the vibrant tapestry of Native American storytelling, she developed a sensitivity to cultural authenticity, an element she weaves into her narratives with respect and precision. Her work aims to foster understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity.

The Joy of Writing: Across the Crying SandsThe interview delved into Jane’s writing process and inspiration for her latest book, Across the Crying Sands. Inspired by the true tale of Mary Edwards Gretzky, the story follows a courageous woman’s journey as the first female mail carrier in rugged Oregon. Jane’s exploration of historical settings serves not just as background but as living, breathing elements that enrich the narrative.

A Testament to Friendship and Faith

A standout in Jane’s storytelling is her connection with readers, exemplified by Susie—a devoted reader who played a pivotal role in Jane’s discovery of Mary’s story. This narrative journey highlights the power of friendship and the serendipitous paths stories take to manifest in a writer’s imagination.

Beyond the PagesThe interview also highlights Jane’s exciting venture into screenwriting, adapting one of her beloved novels into a screenplay. With passion and dedication, Jane continually expands her storytelling capabilities, bringing historical tales to life in fresh, engaging mediums.

Engaging with Jane KirkpatrickFor readers eager to learn more about Jane and her work, she offers a monthly newsletter, “Story Sparks,” which provides insights into her writing world and upcoming projects. Signing up not only gives readers a peek into her creative process but also enrolls them in a special giveaway in celebration of her new book’s release.

Join UsDiscover more about Jane Kirkpatrick’s literary journey on her blog and social media channels, where she regularly shares updates and reflections. As she writes, her stories remind us of the resilience and courage inherent in people’s lives—a timeless testament to the human spirit.

Connect with Jane on her website, through her newsletter, and on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, and Amazon.

Bookworm ReviewEnthralling and exquisitely crafted, “All My Secrets” by Lynn Austin is Christian Fiction at its finest.

In this rich historical novel, Austin blends the earthy flavor of family secrets long buried, strong notes of Biblical truth, the floral perfume of Gilded Age high society, and sweetens it all with tender themes of love and legacy.

While each member of the multigenerational cast were nuanced and endearing in their own way, the character of Junietta Stanhope was a stand out. Readers who are drawn to matriarchal figures, full of wit and wisdom, will treasure Mimi Juni in their hearts long after her poignant story’s been told.

If you love period dramas, brimming with piping hot tea, you’ll savor every sip of All My Secrets!

~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

THE AUTHOR

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband’s work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she’d earned at Hope College and Southern Connecticut State University to work as a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority. Along with reading, two of Lynn’s lifelong passions are history and archaeology.

Read more about Lynn at her website. (https://lynnaustin.org/)

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The Historical Bookworm Show is delighted to once again welcome Laura Frantz for a chat about her inspiration to write historical fiction, a couple marriage tips, her writing process, and of course, her latest release, The Indigo Heiress. A proud mother to an American soldier and a career firefighter, she has authored seventeen novels to date, each intricately weaving historical research and compelling character journeys.

Indigo: Enduring Crop from the PastThe Indigo Heiress centers around the growth of the plant we still use today to dye one of our most common articles of clothing – blue jeans. Learn how indigo and tobacco tied Colonial Virginia to the economy of Scotland, and hear how Laura’s fascination with textiles started with her grandmother.

Why Historical Fiction?From a young age, Laura was captivated by historical figures and their stories, which fueled her journey as a writer. Her childhood excitement for historical biographies and the scarcity of titles led her to write her own stories at the age of seven. This passion for history shapes her intention to keep history alive through her books, and she loves educating readers (and herself) through the entertainment of a historical novel.

Character Depth and Personal GrowthLaura’s characters often mirror the complexities of their era—strong women navigating their roles within society’s constraints. As she discusses her main character, Juliet Catesby, Laura emphasizes the strength drawn from her convictions, linking her to historical figures like Eliza Lucas Pinney. Juliet’s journey through her role in her arranged marriage with Leith Buchanan adds a rich layer to the narrative, along with Juliet’s relationship with her younger sister Loveday (who also gets a happily ever after).

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland. When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has secretly arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family’s debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal of him, an ensuing altercation forces Juliet to flee Virginia. Agreeing to marry, she sails with Leith to Scotland, hopeful of a better match for her sister, who accompanies her. But once in Glasgow and faced with the contentious, powerful Buchanan clan, she realizes that the man who saved her from financial ruin and scandal is the very one she must now save in return.

Connect with Laura Frantz through her newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, X, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Bookworm ReviewMan of Shadow and Mist is an eerie blend that combines strong notes of anglophile with the musty aroma of bibliophile and deepens its smokey richness with the distinct gloom of gothic literature.

An ode to Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” the novel features a brooding hero, a bookish heroine, and brilliant atmospheric prose that entrance the imagination. Michelle Griep is a true master of her craft, penning a story that deftly balances poignant characterization with page-turning plot. Fans of Jaime Jo Wright will love this haunting tale’s juxtaposition of shadow and light, despair and hope.

If “Beauty and the Beast” is your favorite fairy tale, Man of Shadow and Mist is sure to be your cup of tea!

~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

THE AUTHOR

Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayola. She is a Christy Award-winning author of historical romances that both intrigue and evoke a smile. She’s an anglophile at heart, and you’ll most often find her partaking of a proper cream tea while scheming up her next novel.

Read more about Michelle at her website. (www.MichelleGriep.com)

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This episode features a discussion with four authors from Wild Heart Books, including KyLee Woodley, Lorri Dudley, Megan Soja, and Sherry Shindelar.

Meet Authors from Wild Heart Books

In a delightful turn of events on the Historical Bookworm Show, we were joined by three talented authors along with our own KyLee Woodley to discuss four books from Wild Heart Books. This publishing house is renowned for its historical romance novels set before 1900, intricately woven with Christian themes. The show began with intros and some fun icebreaker questions, giving us a glimpse into the authors’ backgrounds and inspirations.

Meet Megan Soja

Megan Soja, a resident of western New York, shares her life with her husband of 17 years and their two daughters. An avid reader since childhood, she confesses to being caught with a book more often than a duster. Her passion for Christian romance and fiction reflects in her writing, and her latest work is part of the “Harbor of Spies” series, set during the American Revolution. During the interview, Megan shared insights on how personal experiences, like her daughter’s heart surgery in Boston, inspired her latest series. Megan encourages readers to find God’s purpose in life’s challenges, a message profoundly resonating with her own life narrative.

Introducing Sherry Shindelar

Sherry Shindelar hails originally from Tennessee but now lives in Minnesota with her family. She has a rich storytelling heritage, beginning in her childhood with tales of Captain Kirk. Her latest release, “Texas Divided” is set in the turbulent times of the Civil War, featuring a soldier with a troubled past and a woman he must prove himself to. Sherry advises aspiring writers to persevere through challenges, trusting that God will open doors at the right time. Her story is one of resilience and passion for storytelling—a reminder never to give up on dreams.

Lorri Dudley‘s Journey

Lorri Dudley, a writer of Regency Romance for Wild Heart Books, celebrates her 25th wedding anniversary alongside launching her 10th book, “Relinquishing the Agent”. Her story blends thrilling elements of espionage with the charm of Regency-era England. Lorri describes writing as a spiritual journey that brings her closer to God. Her current work captures the essence of intrinsic human value, showcasing God’s love for all, no matter how society perceives them.

Our Very Own KyLee Woodley

KyLee Woodley, the cheerful romantic, writes with a touch of adventure set against historical backdrops. Residing in Waco, Texas, her tales are interwoven with heartwarming themes of love and redemption. Her latest work “The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender” continues from a minor character in her previous novel, bringing to life a narrative of love and uncovering secrets. KyLee emphasizes the significance of loving the unlovely as a reflection of true devotion to God.

A Fun Twist: If You Could Time Travel…

During the interview, the authors shared where and when they would journey if given the chance. Megan fancied mingling with legendary authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, while Sherry aspired to converse with Charlotte Brontë. Lorri expressed intrigue in the Regency era, especially figures like Hannah More, who shaped education and societal norms. KyLee admired Emma Ray, a historical missionary who served on the streets of Seattle at the turn of the century.

From Books to Insights

The authors also shared their current reads, offering recommendations like Laura Frantz’s The Indigo Heiress and Jamie Ogle’s intriguing works, showing how acclaimed stories inspire their own writings.

Connect and Explore Further

Discover more about the authors’ latest releases, sign up for exclusive short stories, and engage with rich historical narratives that promise to inspire and entertain. Stay tuned for more exciting interviews on the Historical Bookworm Show!

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With her passion for life, history, and story, Liz Tolsma is the author of several novels ranging from World War II to Amish fiction. While she thought she’d write one book and be done, her debut novel was a finalist for two awards. Now she’s a full-time author and editor, and she has never looked back. She joins us today to share about topics close to her heart, and to introduce her latest release, When the Sky Burned.

A Word of InspirationLiz Tolzma’s writing journey began much like other authors—at a young age with a vivid imagination and an innate knack for storytelling. Dubbed “Sarah Bernhardt” by her parents due to her flair for drama, Liz was encouraged by a supportive fifth-grade teacher who instilled the dream of becoming a published author.

Adoption: A Theme Close to the HeartA big passion for Liz centers around the theme of international adoption. She and her husband have welcomed three children into their family from different corners of the world, embedding rich experiences and diverse cultures into their lives. Liz speaks passionately about how adoption mirrors God’s unconditional love and adoption of us, reflecting how it has shaped her as both a mother and a writer.

Overlooked History Brought to Life“When the Sky Burned,” Liz’s latest novel, captures the essence of historical fiction by intertwining real events with an inspiring story. Set against the backdrop of the lesser-known Peshtigo Fire of 1871, Liz carefully balances historical accuracy with the fictional journeys of her characters. Mariah Randolph embodies resilience as she transitions from an artist to a survivor of blindness. Inspired by real stories of blind painters, Liz weaves a narrative that highlights resilience, transformation, and justice.

What’s Next for Liz Tolsma?Continuing with her theme of stories based on real-life events, Liz is excited to be writing a fictionalized version of a reader’s family history from World War II. Readers can connect with her through her website, newsletter, GoodReads, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, X, and her own podcast.

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Promising painter Mariah Randolph longs to have her canvases displayed in the world’s best museums, and Hollis Stanford, the heir of a railroad tycoon, is her ticket to success. The railroad’s bookkeeper, Jay Franklin, discovers discrepancies and is convinced that Hollis is stealing from the company. But any proof of his dirty dealings go up in smoke when fire utterly destroys the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, October 8, 1871.

The fire leaves Mariah blind, but Jay befriends her and even helps her to start painting again. But a trip to Chicago to return Hollis’s daughter to him could put both Mariah and Jay in more danger than even the fire that devastated the town and their lives.

Other Historical Bookworm episodes with Liz Tolsma include a Pinch of the Past and a Bookchat about A Picture of Hope

Bookworm ReviewToday’s bookworm review is brought to you by author Angela Bell

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. “The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender solidifies KyLee Woodley as a veritable sharpshooter of a storyteller!

In her second Outlaw Hearts novel, Woodley skillfully corrals the tension of a showdown at high noon, complex characters, fastidious historical research, and a mystery with all the twists of a gnarled tumbleweed into a tale sure to whisk readers away on a wild ride into a hope-filled sunset.

If you’re drawn to the rugged romance of the old west, consider The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender your next most wanted read!”

~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure

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In this captivating interview on the Historical Bookworm Show, hosts KyLee and Darcy delve into the remarkable career of Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning and bestselling author known for her historical novels that vividly bring past eras to life.

An Author’s Dream

Lauraine Snelling began her writing journey with Tragedy on the Toutle her first young adult novel, published in 1982. Since then, she has authored over 140 books, with more than five million copies in print. Living her lifelong dream, she has crafted novels deeply rooted in historical narratives, including her beloved Red River series, which spans an astonishing 22 books.

Characters That Resonate

During the interview, Darcy asked Lauraine which of her historical novels she would step into for a day. Lauraine shared her deep connection with the Red River series, describing how vividly she envisions scenarios and adventures within her stories. More than historical details, her books resonate with emotional depth, captivating readers with realistic characters who embody personal and historical truths.

One particularly memorable moment was when Lauraine imagined hosting a dinner party for her characters Ingeborg, Amalia, and Hawkin. Each character, infused with elements of her life experiences and family, holds a special place in her heart, highlighting the personal connection she shares with her creations.

The Power of Writing and Community

Lauraine attributes her success to God’s good will working in her life. She also discussed widowhood—a subject she has come to know deeply after personal loss—expressing gratitude for her community of readers, who engage with her on Facebook. Through her own journey with grief, Lauraine has found ways to support others, offering wisdom and empathy both in her life and her novels.

Next Steps and Future Reads

Currently working on the second book in her latest series, Lauraine and her co-writer, Kiersti Giron, are already creatively mapping out the third and fourth installments. Her ability to adapt and find inspiration through life’s changes serves as a testament to her enduring passion for storytelling.

Stay tuned for Lauraine Snelling’s next heartwarming tale—you’re sure to be transported to another time, surrounded by characters who feel as if they’ve stepped right off the page.

About the AuthorAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All total, she has over one hundred and forty books published with more than 4.5 million copies in print.

As a sought-after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers often clamor for more books, and Lauraine would like to comply … if only her paintbrushes and fragrant flowers didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine has two grown sons and a daughter and husband in Heaven. She lives in the Tehachapi Mountains with Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).

About the BookDuring her voyage on a ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.

As Amalia and Ruth endeavor to make ends meet, tensions rise due to a trail of orphans showing up on their doorstep. Meanwhile, Absalom Karlsson–the magistrate’s son–offers legal assistance and helps them advocate for justice. With each challenge they face, Amalia and Ruth find hope in believing that with faith and determination they can overcome even the most daunting of trials.

In this heartwarming series starter, bestselling author Lauraine Snelling weaves together a delightful story of new beginnings.

Connect with Lauraine through her website, newsletter, Facebook, X, Instagram, BookBub, Amazon, and GoodReads.

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Join Darcy and KyLee in welcoming Joanna Davidson Politano back to The Historical Bookworm Show! You can listen to previous episodes featuring Joanna or her work The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, The Lost Melody, A Midnight Dance, and A Midnight Dance.

In this episode of The Historical Bookworm Show, Joanna Davidson Politano discusses her latest Edwardian-era novel, ‘The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House. Known for her captivating blend of mystery, romance, and gothic elements, Politano delves into the inspirations behind her newest work. She shares how a unique Edwardian house, filled with unfinished inventions, influenced the book’s setting and characters.

The conversation also explores her writing process—balancing organic storytelling with spiritual themes—and the dynamic relationships between the novel’s lead characters. Joanna offers a tantalizing hint about an upcoming Cornwall-based series, promising more immersive and engaging tales to come.

About the AuthorJoanna Davidson Politano’s gripping novels have been captivating readers for years with their fascinating characters, mysterious settings, pitch-perfect romance, and plenty of Gothic flair. Now she returns with her newest offering, The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House. Set in the Edwardian era, this book transports readers to an isolated island estate for a tale of unexpected inheritance and family rivalry where no one is as they seem.

About the book The Curious Inheritance of Blakely HouseThe new century is still young when clockmaker Sydney Forrester finds that she is the heiress of Blakely House, an estate off the coast of Northumberland. To say she is surprised is an understatement, considering the estate was owned by an estranged uncle whom she never met. Blakely House comes with an array of peculiar inventions, but it also comes with two nephews determined to oust Sydney from her newfound property. With the help of an unlikely ally, Sydney works to uncover the secrets of the estate—including who murdered its late owner. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master’s brilliance as well as his property.

Joanna’s books: Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, A Midnight Dance, and The Lost Melody

Connect with Joanna Davidson Politano: Newsletter, Baker Book House, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Selah Award finalist and winner of the 2024 Caleb Award, Jennifer Mistmorgan is a must-read author of WWII historical romance. She writes imperfect characters “who grapple with God’s grace and love in a world at war,” swoony romance, and adventure sure to keep you turning pages and leave you with new friends by the last chapter.

At Home Down UnderJennifer Mistmorgan is a native of Australia, and shares her perspective of why she loves her home in beautiful Canberra. While her stories take place all over the world, her first novel featured a hero from her homeland.

Bringing the Past to LifeJennifer loves bringing the past to life not only in stories but also in food. A collector of vintage recipe books and kitchen gadgets, she shares about her adventures recreating historical recipes for research and enjoyment.

A Story of RebuildingMistmorgan’s latest release, These Long Shadows, takes readers to London in 1945 – after the war in Europe has ended – offering readers a chance to explore the realities of living with the aftermath of such a brutal conflict.

Two years before, we meet Jonty Ables when he proposes to Katie Baines for the sake of her unborn baby. Now Jonty is back from the war, ready to do whatever it takes to be a good husband for his wife, but Katie isn’t sure her heart has room for him. With personal experience lending authenticity, Mistmorgan weaves a moving story of betrayal, loss, and grief slowly climbing its way to hope and new life. With sweet romance, a deep current of faith, and a touch of intrigue with a missing person case, these characters – and readers – are in for the journey of a lifetime.

How do they rebuild a marriage that wasn’t real in the first place?

London, 1945: Two years ago, Jonty Ables married Katie Baines to save her and her unborn baby from shame. But now the war is all but over, the baby is gone and they must work out where their shaky marriage fits into lives irrevocably changed by war.

Clinging to the memory of a time before all happiness evaporated, Katie works hard as a seamstress. At night she comes home to a tiny terrace on a bomb-scarred street, crammed with her extended family and their problems. Years of estrangement sit between her and her recently demobilized husband. She’s not even sure she loves him, so why is she so crushed that he calls out another woman’s name in his sleep?

Jonty is determined to honor the vows he made no matter how many ghosts now plague him, but with such separate lives his wife is more of a stranger than ever. When Katie’s friend goes missing, Jonty seizes the opportunity to help her find him just so they have a reason to talk. But the war casts long shadows over their efforts, and fighting for their future might just be the hardest battle of them all.

Connect with Jennifer Mistmorgan: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, My Vintage Heart project.

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In our latest chat on the Historical Bookworm Show, bestselling and Christy-award winning author Sarah Sundin returns to share about her newest release, Midnight on the Scottish Shore. Known for her engrossing World War II novels, Sarah delves into not just the historical intricacies woven throughout her story but also the deeply threaded spiritual and personal themes.

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In today’s exciting spotlight on the Historical Bookworm Show, we welcome back Crystal Caudill, a gifted author known for her signature “Dangerously Good Historical Romance.” With impressive accolades to her name, including her 2023 Carole Award finalist debut novel, "Counterfeit Love," and her Christie Award-winning novella "Star of Wonder," Crystal's works have enchanted readers with their unique blend of history, romance, and suspense.Romance In Her Own WordsDespite declaring herself not much of a romantic, Crystal has a compelling take on writing romance. Her stories are a beautiful reflection of relationships blossoming in the face of danger and adversity, drawing parallels to divine love. She shares, "I find romance to be a beautiful reflection of God's love for us. He pursues us. He fights for us. He loves us with reckless abandon." This deep-rooted belief makes her romance stand out — focused more on growth and partnership than simple gestures of affection.Balancing Life’s Many HatsBeyond writing, Crystal manages a busy personal life as a mother and caregiver. She candidly acknowledges that balance is an illusion, admitting that life’s demands fluctuate and necessitate giving priority to different roles at different times. Her reliance on prayer and faith keeps her grounded and hopeful that, through God’s guidance, she can meet her deadlines and tell stories that inspire.Drawing InspirationThe wellspring of Crystal's creativity is filled with diverse influences. She shares that inspiration comes through a variety of sources, such as art exhibits, music, and interacting with the works of authors she admires. Her commitment to enriching her writing style by learning from others resonates with many who find rejuvenation through similar creative exploration.Written in Secret: A Thriller to Look Forward ToIn her upcoming release, Written in Secret, Crystal takes us to 19th-century Cincinnati, where a mysterious narrative unfolds in the midst of corruption and intrigue. The story's heroine, Lydia Pelton, uses her talent as a crime novelist under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin to fight the societal wrongs she witnesses, but finds fiction bleeding into reality when a serial killer mimics her literary detective.This novel promises a thrilling ride with Officer Abraham Hall joining Lydia in a quest to solve the murders haunting Cincinnati, despite initial misgivings. Their collaboration promises to uncover not just crime, but the depth of their own hearts in what is sure to be an enthralling tale of mystery and romance.What's Next?Our conversation with Crystal also unveils exciting details about her future projects. Book two of her Art of Love and Danger series delves into the world of music with opera singers and composers amidst whirlwind plots filled with intrigue. Meanwhile, book three promises to delve into pottery, painting, and women's rights within a narrative of sabotage.For fans eager to dive deeper into Crystal's works, she invites you to visit her website at crystalcaudill.com. By signing up for her newsletter, you can receive a free copy of Counterfeit Truth, a novella prequel to her first series, Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age.Connect with  Crystal Caudill: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.Other episodes that feature Crystal Caudill include: A Bookchat about Star of Wonder with Crystal CaudillEpisode 26: Guest Amanda Cabot & a Review of Counterfeit Love by Crystal CaudillEpisode 25: Guest Crystal Caudill and a Book Review Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

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A Constant Love: An Interview with Best-Selling Author Tracie PetersonIn this episode of the Historical Bookworm Show, best-selling author Tracy Peterson discusses her extensive career, including her new book, 'A Constant Love.' Tracy shares insights on her favorite historical places, her love for Captain Kangaroo, and the challenging personal experiences that influenced her writing. She also talks about the themes of loss, grief, and faith in her new series set in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and gives a sneak peek into her upcoming series set in Minnesota. The episode covers how the characters in her books navigate their struggles and grow in their relationships with God, providing both historical context and emotional depth.00:00 Introduction to Tracy Peterson00:33 Childhood Heroes and Fun Questions01:57 Favorite Places in the American West05:43 Classic Novels and Inspirations07:25 Behind the Book: Personal Struggles and Themes09:33 Book Synopsis and Character Dynamics12:50 Historical Context and Setting14:43 Faith and Personal Growth19:12 Cheyenne: A Fascinating Setting22:27 Upcoming Projects and Giveaway23:57 Conclusion and Contact InformationAbout the BookHeartache has left them emotionally desolate, but traces of love and healing could forge a future.In the wake of a harsh winter, Micah Hamilton and Charlotte Aldrich are grappling with loss and guilt after the disaster that took the lives of their loved ones. Struggling to cope with his grief, Micah abandons his father's dreams of a prosperous ranch and cuts himself off from the rest of the world.Charlotte has loved Micah her entire life and is determined not to lose him as well. With her mother's help, she begins coaxing Micah to live again. Despite their enduring heartache, the affection between them deepens, but just as Charlotte thinks her dreams may come true, a scorned suitor threatens everything she holds dear. Micah and Charlotte must embark on a journey of healing and renewal to build a life founded on faith, hope, and love.About the AuthorTracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.Connect with Tracie Peterson: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.Other appearances on the show include: A Bookchat about A Love Discovered with Tracie Peterson, a Bookworm Review of Remember Me by Tracie Peterson, A Bookchat about Remember Me with Tracie Peterson, and A Bookchat About  BEYOND THE DESERT SANDS,Enter KyLee's Review Team!

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The discussion revolves around her upcoming release, Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene's Story, which debuts in February 2025. Jill shares insights into her writing process, from intensive research to character casting via the Scrivener program, and addresses the challenges of exploring topics such as demon possession. Additionally, she discusses her fascination with biblical and historical eras, and the profound implications of Jewish feasts and Jesus' teachings. Jill's personal anecdotes, dedication to faith, and passion for biblical history offer a unique glimpse into her literary journey and upcoming works.

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In this episode of the Historical Bookworm Show, co-host KyLee Woodley is interviewed about her debut novel 'The Bandit's Redemption.' The episode provides an in-depth look at KyLee background as a preschool teacher at Baylor University, her experiences growing up in the Pacific Northwest and Texas, and her deep commitment to God, family, and writing. KyLee discusses her journey into teaching and the serendipitous route that led her to Baylor University. She also shares the inspirations behind her novel, her favorite childhood books, and the themes of perseverance and gratitude that permeate her stories. Listeners get a sneak peek into 'The Bandit's Redemption' and learn about her upcoming releases in the Outlaw Hearts series. KyLee is also offering a giveaway for her debut novel, adding a delightful bonus for fans. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:19 Life in Waco, Texas 02:59 Journey into Teaching06:25 Early Influences and Love for Stories11:27 Bandit's Redemption: Plot and Characters20:11 Upcoming Projects and Giveaway22:07 Where to Connect with Kylie 23:06 Conclusion and ReflectionsAbout the bookA holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard.   Life in the American West hasn't been easy for French refugee Lorraine Durand. She has precious few connections and longs to return to her native land. So when the man who rescued her from a Parisian uprising  following the Franco-Prussian War persuades her to help him with a deadly holdup, she reluctantly agrees. Despite his promises otherwise, the gang kidnaps a man, forcing Lorraine to grapple with the fallout of her choices even as she is drawn to the captive she's meant to guard.Jesse Alexander must survive. If not for himself, then for the troubled sister he left behind in Los Angeles. At the mercy of his captors, he carefully works to earn Lorraine’s trust, hoping he can easily subdue her when the time comes. But as they navigate the treacherous wilderness and he searches for his opportunity to escape, he realizes there may be more to her than he first believed.With danger lurking at every turn, they must decide whether to trust each other enough to plan a combined escape or risk falling prey to the gang’s devious schemes.Find the book on: Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and Books to Read.About the Author.KyLee Woodley is a cheery romantic who loves to write about bygone days and heartwarming romance with a pinch of adventure. She teaches at Baylor University’s lab school in Texas where she lives with her husband of 18 years and their three teenage children. She is a writer for Wild Heart Books and is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show—a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky—a feisty feline named Hazel, and two adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books with her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.Connect with KyLee on: Facebook, Instagram, newsletter, and HistoricalBookworm.com.

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Welcome to the Historical Bookworm Show blog post, where we dive into the captivating interview with Mary Connealy, bestselling author known for her romantic comedies set in the wild west. In this post, we explore Mary’s latest release, "Whispers of Fortune," the first book in her new series, Golden State Treasures. Join us as we unravel Mary's creative process, inspirations, and what's next in her literary journey.

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Jennifer Deibel joins KyLee Woodley and Darcy Fornier for a chat about living in Europe, her love for The Lord of the Rings, Irish traditions, and her latest release, Heart of the Glen. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Karen Witemeyer joins us for a chat about naming horses, writer quirks, fairytales, and her latest release book. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this brilliant book!

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Mary Connealy joins us for a chat about her life living on a ranch, parenting daughters, humor in writing, and her latest release Into the Sunset. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Roseanna joins us for a chat about Christmas traditions, the joys of email, completing her chemo treatments, and her latest release Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Michelle Greip joins us for a chat about gardening under duress, being present for loved ones while maintaining a career, the history of Egyptology, and her latest release Of Gold and Shadows. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the AuthorMichelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is a Christy Award-winning author of historical romances that both intrigue and evoke a smile. She’s an Anglophile at heart, and you’ll most often find her partaking of a proper cream tea while scheming up her next novel . . . but it’s probably easier to find her at MichelleGriep.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

It is so great to have you back on the show. Michelle was our second guest ever, on the show when she came on in 2021 to chat about The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. She returned in 2022 when The Bride of Blackfriar’s Lane was released, and Michelle is one of the few authors to host a Pinch of the Past when she shared 3 Types of Victorian Travel. We also reviewed her novelsThe Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane Bookworm Review and Lost in Darkness Bookworm Review.)

Last time we spoke, you were settling into the country life of gardening and chicken raising, including protecting them from an offending armadillo.

1. Did you ever have any luck with gardening and did the armadillo ever leave?
2. If you had a garden party full of fictional characters, who would you invite?

You are a busy lady with a professional author career and personal life–including twin grandchildren in memory serves me correctly.

1. How do you balance writing with being present for your loved ones?
2. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the Book Of Gold and ShadowsThe 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. . . .

So we have a heroine in Victorian England with a secret identity who is struggling to establish herself as an Egyptologist by day and preserving black market relics by night. In steps a handsome hero running for Parliament, and together they encounter a cruse, ruffians, and treasures. Sounds like a typical Michelle Griep book. 🙂

I’m intrigued by this Egyptologist angle. According to Britannica Encyclopedia, Egyptology is “the study of pharaonic Egypt, spanning the period c. 4500 bce to ce 641. Egyptology began … [with the scholars] accompanying Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of Egypt (1798–1801.) Fast forward nearly 100 years, and we have Ami and Edmond.

1. What kinds of things did they encounter in the book that are historically accurate to the time?
2. How did you balance the idea of a curse with a Biblical worldview?

Curses will be lifted –

1. What, of all the romantic couples you’ve written, make Edmund and Ami unique?
2. What’s next for your writing?

Listeners, Michell is offering a paperback copy of this novel, Of Gold and Shadows. To enter, check out the giveaway page on our website Historical Bookworm dot com. You also find the giveaway link in the show notes for this episode.

Connect with Michelle Greip: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Carrie Turansky joins us for a chat about traveling to England, writing split-time novels, how themes of one’s life often come through in one’s writing, and her latest release A Token of Love. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the AuthorCarrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including A Token of Love, The Legacy of Longdale Manor, No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, and The Edwardian Brides Series. Her novels have received starred reviews from Christianbooks.com and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Carrie loves to connect with reading friends on Facebook, Instagram, and via her website and blog: carrieturansky.com.

Your bio mentions traveling to England

1. Can you share some of your favorite or most shocking cultural experiences during that time?
2. Edwardian or Victorian, which do you prefer to write and why?

Your latest novel, *A Token of Love*, is split-time historical fiction.

1. Are you new to this particular subgenre and why is split time right for this story?
2. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

ABOUT THE BOOK A Token of LoveSeparated 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.

The mystery of a missing girl will pull at the heartstrings of any woman, but here we also have the historical significance of founding homes. History lovers in our audience will probably also connect founding home with youth houses of refuge and sanitoriums of the time which rarely adhered to the medical rights, practices, and privileges we experience today.

1. Can you share more about the connection of the Foundling Home across the century that separates these two female protagonists?

In A Token of Love, you juggle two romantic couples in this book.

1. Could you switch them and have Janelle and Jonas in the 1800s and Lillian and Matthew in the modern-day era? (If no, why? If yes, why?)

You mentioned earlier that you traveled to England to research this book.

1. How did the city of London play a part in this story? (For example: inspiration for setting or culture? Is London merely the backdrop? How do the characters’ experiences and views of the city, affect the plot?)
2. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Carrie Turansky: Newsletter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, X aka Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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J’nell Ciesielski joins us for a chat about traveling to Scotland, writers/books that inspire her, the elements of a beautiful romance, and her latest release The Winged Tiara, “a sparkling story filled with her signature snappy dialogue and vivid atmosphere that will keep you reading late into the night to see what happens next.” Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the author:Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.

Questions:

1. Have you ever visited Scotland? (If yes, we’d love to hear about a couple of your favorite places/experiences. If not yet, tell us the place you most want to see and why.)
2. Your bio mentions how you love “weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by.” What element do you feel makes a beautiful romance?
3. As with any artistic craft, writers tend to have those whose work they admire or find especially inspiring. What writers or books leave you invigorated and inspired?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the BookNow let’s take a moment to talk about your latest release, The Winged Tiara.

November 12, 1918. It was a match made in champagne-soaked heaven, but all too soon the bubbles dried up, and Esme Fox awakens the morning after celebrating the end of the Great War to find herself shockingly and accidentally married. She gathers her belongings and slips out before her new husband can stop her. After all, she knows it’s best to leave before he does.

Four years later, Jasper Truitt, after having made a name for himself in the underground world of jewel thieves, is on the hunt for a valuable heirloom: a one-of-a-kind winged tiara–the last Valkyrie tiara ever created. So it’s with great surprise that he discovers it at a charity event atop the head of a woman he’s never forgotten. His long-lost wife . . . who happens to be pursuing the tiara for a vengeful opera diva desperate to obtain the jewel for herself.

The reunion is cut short when Esme vanishes–again–but their separation is temporary. With a hitman on their heels and a deadline looming, the pair find themselves in an epic game of cat and mouse across Europe following leads from the French Riviera to a shop of wonders in Venice, a fairy-tale castle in Bavaria, and a veritable circus thrown by a champagne heiress, all before a dramatic horseback flight through the French countryside.

In the end only one can win, and with both of their hearts on the line, the winner may well turn out to be the loser.

Lead in>> I LOVE a traveling adventure, and this one covers some really cool European destinations! Of course, there’s hardly time for the characters to enjoy it with a hitman after them, but readers are going to have a great time.

1. Speaking of characters, that blurb actually gives the barest glimpse at them. Behind the champagne and glittering jewels and reckless marriage, who is Esme Fox?
2. About this Valkyrie tiara that so many people want to get their hands on – is it based on an historic jewelry piece? What is its story?
3. The accidental marriage trope also has the potential for a lot of fun, and a lot of heartache. Before the champagne had Esme and Jasper plunging into marriage, what brought these two together?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with J’nell: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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About the authorKAREN BARNETT is the award-winning author of eight novels, including When Stone Wings Fly and Ever Faithful. Before becoming a novelist, she worked as a ranger naturalist and outdoor educator at Mount Rainier National Park and Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park.

When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, public speaking, and decorating crazy birthday cakes. She lives in Oregon with her family. Karen has joined us before to discuss her novel, When Stone Wings Fly, and today we will be looking at another dual-timeline National Parks novel, Where the Trees Touch the Sky. But let’s start with something fun.

1. You have to tell us about one of these crazy birthday cakes! What design did you enjoy doing recently?
2. This is your fifth historical novel surrounding a national park, and your passion for the parks is clear in your stories. As a former parks ranger, what is one thing you wish the public understood better about visiting the parks?
3. Something that’s been on my mind lately is how God speaks to His children in different ways a lot of the time. Could you share a time, writing-related or otherwise, that God gave you very clear direction about something?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book Where the Trees Touch the SkySome secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall.

In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she’s grown to love, is the son of one of the area’s worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity—if only she can convince him to help her preserve her favorite grove from his father’s greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side?

Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself worthy as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?

When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion’s life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt’s worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams.

There is something so magical about the redwoods! But there is almost always an adventure behind the peaceful parks we love so well today. Throw in a love interest tied up with the enemy and a family secret, and you are going to be keeping readers up way too late.

1. The Historical Novel Society defines historical fiction as works “written at least fifty years after the events described,” so by that definition, this novel has two historical timelines. Why 1972 for the second timeline and not modern day?
2. June is a polio survivor, which is something we don’t see too often in the States these days, and in 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act was still almost twenty years away. What is life like for June as a person with a disability in the 1970s?
3. What was the Save the Redwoods League, and how did your character Marion become a part of it? (Was Marion inspired by a real-life character?)
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Karen: KarenBarnettBooks.com, Facebook (KarenBarnettAuthor), Twitter (KarenMBarnett), Instagram (@KarenBarenttAuthor and @RangerBearAdventures), Goodreads, and BookBub

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The Caribou Mountain in Idaho is a serene destination, but behind the snow caps and rocky faces, a historical story to match the name. I ran across Jesse (Cariboo Jack) Fairchild when researching book 1 of my Outlaw Hearts series. Cariboo Mountain is, in fact, the scene of a crime in that story.

Gold Prospectors – Scanned 1891 EngravingFairchild mined in the Cariboo Mountains in Canada. When he came to the states, he earned the name Cariboo Jack because of the tall tales he told regarding his adventures there. He claimed that the caribou of that area traveled in herds so thick that, “…a fellow could run all the way to hell and back atop them and never touch bare ground.” Jesse discovered gold in what is now the Caribou Mountains area (Circa 1870) just north of Grays Lake, Idaho.

Of himself, he said, “I was born in a blizzard snowdrift in the worst **** storm to ever hit Canada. I was bathed in a gold pan, suckled by a caribou, wrapped in a buffalo rug, and could whip any grizzly going before I was thirteen. That’s when I left home.” To anyone who might naysay his tall tales, he would respond: “It is so. I will let you know I am from Carriboo!”

It is said that the “Jack” in the nickname originated with his mule which was, “…so danged smart he had to change socks once a week or she wouldn’t let him ride her.” According to folklore, this creature could open any gate and once, “…she stold a full year of grain, a sack at a time from a Quaker farmer– each night he built the latch higher on the door until finally the mule couldn’t reach it. That only stopped her one night — the next night the mule was seen standing on hind legs telling the family dog standing on her forehead how to open the latch.”

Fairfield died in 1881 from injuries sustained during a grizzly attack near Bear River at Soda Springs, Idaho. He was buried in Soda Springs where a commemorative grave marker has been established.

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Patricia Raybon joins us for a chat about writing a story set in historical Denver, writing a Black American woman in the 1920s, and her latest release Truth Be Told. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the AuthorChristy Award-winner Patricia Raybon was reared near Denver, Colorado, under big sky, bright sunshine, and the humbling mystery of Christ. A newspaper journalist who turned to historical fiction, she authors devotional writing for Our Daily Bread and writes the Annalee Spain Mystery series set in Colorado’s dangerous 1920s Klan era.

We had you on the show in 2021 to promote book one in the Annalee Spain Mystery series All that is Secretand then again in 2023 when Double the Lies released. Today we will be chatting about book three in this fun, historical mystery series.

Questions:

1. As you were raised near Denver and now write stories set there, albeit the Denver of a hundred years ago, what would you say is your favorite thing about the city?
2. What is your favorite non-bookish activity?
3. You’ve written three books in the 1920s now, which is such a fascinating time period although it’s sometimes reduced to only flapper dresses and extravagance. What is something you find interesting about the 1920s that most people probably don’t know about?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the Book, Truth Be ToldIt’s 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.

But when Coates’s young daughter discovers a pretty stranger dead in her father’s garden shed, Annalee is thrust onto the baffling new case while already 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, the orphaned boy Eddie, and her trustworthy church friends, Annalee follows the clues to three seemingly disconnected settings—a rundown traveling carnival set up downtown, an upscale Black women’s 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.

Questions:

I don’t know which is more intriguing – finding out the cause of this lady’s murder or uncovering the secrets in that letter! Way to pull us in!

1. This is your third Annalee Spain mystery. How do you keep the story creative while following the same central character for a third book?
2. Can you tell us who the real-life Denver visitor is? (If that’s a spoiler you don’t want to mention, you can tell us about how you approach adding a real-life person to a fictional narrative.)
3. Who was your favorite supporting character in this story?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Patricia: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Nicole M. Miller joins us for a chat about Arabian horses, living in southwest Washington, farm life, and her latest release Until Our Time Comes. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorNicole M. Miller lives in Southwest Washington state with her husband and two sons, along with her two purebred Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a long-time horse owner, she has been involved in several horse organizations throughout her life, including serving as a Clark County Fair Court Princess and Miss Teen Rodeo Washington.

When Nicole is not writing or tending the animals, she works in human resources. A journalism major, she has received several national and regional awards for her nonfiction writing from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Your bio certainly draws a clear and fun picture of the things you value and love.

1. You have two Arabian horses and a few farm animals. Where did your love for animals come from?
2. How do horses play a part in your writing career?
3. You live in Southwest Washington state, which puts you in a rainy part of the state being so close to the Pacific Ocean. What does a lazy day in the Miller household look like?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book Until Our Time Comes American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the U.S. are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.

Major Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.

This story is described as an epic World War II story of escape, capture, resistance, and love.

1. Where does a Washington girl with an intense love of horses, come up with this unique idea?
2. Your female protagonist, Adia Kensington, is a horse trainer working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland. What real-life events during the time of Nazi occupation influenced Adia’s role in Until Our Time Comes?
3. Bret is a British undercover operative concerned with gathering intelligence and Adia is an American horse trainer. How does romance blossom between these two people with very different goals?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Nicole M. Miller: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Ann H. Gabhart joins us for a chat about book recommendations, balancing writing with family life, mission schools, historical research, and her latest release The Song of Sourwood Mountain. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For previous interviews with Ann, follow these links: Episode 15: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Book Review of Faith’s Mountain Home and Episode 29: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Review of Long Way Home

About the authorAnn H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of many novels, including In the Shadow of the River,When the Meadow Blooms, Along a Storied Trail, An Appalachian Summer, River to Redemption, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm’s fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley.

Let’s start with something fun.

1. If you were a color, which one would you be? (Which color captures your personality and why?)
2. After writing more than 30 novels across 45 years, do you have a steady system for your writing or does each book take its own path to come to life?
3. What novel do you recommend to people more than any other, and why?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book The Song of Sourwood MountainThough the twentieth century dawned with such promise, it is just 1910 when Mira Dean’s hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé is dead from tuberculosis and Mira must resign herself to being a spinster schoolteacher. But then Gordon Covington shows up and the doors that once seemed shut forever begin to open—even if only a crack.

No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that.

Though the prospect of stepping onto a new path is scary, Mira takes a leap of faith and lands in a life she never imagined. In this place filled with its own special challenges, the people she serves just might end up becoming the family she always yearned for.

A mission school in rural Kentucky is going to be a tough place to build a real marriage out of what starts as a marriage of convenience! Great for us readers, not so nice to your characters, haha.

1. What makes Mira accept such a challenging offer?

I read a book called Miracle in the Hills about a couple of married doctors at a mission in North Carolina, and of course everyone is familiar with Christy and her mission school in Cutter Gap. It was no picnic for these people who were often raised in privilege to move into much more primitive settings and try to build trust with often very suspicious people.

1. Did you run across any little-known historical facts as you researched for your mission school in East Kentucky?
2. Gordon seems like a practical man who knows what he wants and takes a direct approach to getting it. How did he end up as a missionary?
3. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Ann H. Gabhart: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, BookBub, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Grace Hitchcock joins us for a chat about her favorite time periods in history, favorite foods, writing heroes and heroines, and her latest release book. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorGrace Hitchcock is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives near New Orleans with her husband, Dakota, sons and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Let’s start with something fun.

1. What less-than-healthy food from your childhood do you still love to indulge in today?
2. Your blog makes it no secret you’re a fan of Jane Austen and the Regency era. What ignited your interest in the time period?
3. As a writer of romances, do you find it easier to write your male leads or your female leads?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book To Catch a CoronetSometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence it.

Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can’t stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it’s possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade–one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation.

After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle’s title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers’ wealth.

Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik’s ship. Will Muriel’s bold charm and Erik’s daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks?

Lead in: This has me picturing a Georgette Hyer-style regency escapade – spunky heroine getting herself in trouble, resistant-to-love hero, societal fumbles, and a splash of adventure. What more could you ask for?

1. So much of Regency drama revolves around the intricate societal rankings of the day. (Frankly, I’m still lost sometimes, and I consider myself a fan of the time.) Did you run across any surprising societal strictures while researching for this story?
2. Muriel seems like more than a match for the society snobs in spite of her humble origins, as they might say. Where did she get her determination?
3. In Jane Austen’s novels, for instance, there are vague references to men making their fortunes at sea and so forth. What was life really like for the men who lived at sea in service of His Majesty?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Grace: Newsletter, GraceHitchcockBooks.com, Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Janyre Tromp joins KyLee for a chat about God’s faithfulness, snacking and reading, missionaries in WW 2, and her latest release Darkness Calls the Tigar. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorJanyre Tromp is a veteran book editor by day and writer of historical novels with a healthy dose of lyrical intrigue at night. She’s the best-selling author of Shadows in the Mind’s Eye and co-author of both O Little Town and It’s a Wonderful Christmas. Her books were named a 2023 Arkansas Gem by the Arkansas State Library and Honorable Mention for Romance by Foreword Indies. And that all happens from her unfinished basement when she’s not hanging out with her family, two troublesome cats, and slightly eccentric Shetland Sheepdog.

We have had the pleasure of chatting on the show before, but also in real life. I tell you this lady has a reputation in the writing community for kindness, hard work and professionalism. I would describe you as quirky, family-oriented, and fun. Yet your books deal with heavy themes, as we see in Shadows in the Mind’s Eye – a suspenseful post-WW2 story about dealing with life after the war–and now Darkness Calls the Tigar, a story about missionaries facing Japanese attacks shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

1. We’re going to get up close and personal fast, how does a happy-go-lucky mother and writer create such authentic and riveting tales that tackle painful and gritty topics?
2. Can you share how God has been especially faithful in blessing you?
3. If you could spend 1 day reading, what location would you choose and what snack?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book: Darkness Calls the TigarAfter the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary.

As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai’s father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.

War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.

Afraid he’s losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

1. What legends do you refer to?
2. How does faith come into play in this story?
3. What is one special connection between Kailyn and Ryan?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Janyre Tromp: Website, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, BookBub, and Instagram.

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Patti Stockdale joins us to chat about co-writing with award-winning author Jody Hedlund, historical settings, writing for the Lord, and her latest release His Treasured Bride. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the author Patti Stockdale is a historical romance author and freelance writer who lives in Wisconsin. She creates tangled-up characters full of heart and hope. Patti married her high school sweetheart, and they have two kids and four grandsons. She loves to travel somewhere new, plant flowers, drink tea, read fiction, and dance with her family when she’s not plotting stories.

1. Where is your favorite place to read and write?
2. Why did you start writing?
3. Tell us about Sunrise Publishing.
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book His Treasured Bride.IN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, MARRIAGE, MYSTERY, AND MAYEM.

After recently arriving in Vancouver Island on a bride ship, aspiring seamstress Daisy Harper is determined not to rush into a hasty and quarrelsome marriage, a mistake her parents made. To avoid choosing the wrong man, she creates a rigorous list of ten requirements for a potential husband.

Mapmaker Seth Ryann moved to the colony to assist his partially blind brother, a local missionary. They’ll soon return to Ireland, but first, Seth is tasked by a friend to find a treasure of gold hidden in the mountains. Seth has the map to the treasure, but he’s missing the key.

When he discovers Daisy somehow has the key, the two agree to search for the treasure together. They’re left with little choice but to quickly enter a marriage of convenience. As they venture into the wilderness and work together to overcome danger, an undeniable attraction grows. But will they find the treasure only to lose what matters most?

A treasure hunt with a seamstress and map maker in the mountains of British Columbia, plus a marriage of convenience trope. This book sounds like it’s going to be fun.

1. What inspired this story idea?
2. What kind of research went into preparing to write from a map maker’s point of view?
3. You are a relatively new author, and you’ve co-written this book with the talented and amazing Jody Hedlund. What was it like coauthoring?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Patti: PattiStockdale.com, email, Newsletter, Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Joanna Davidson Politano joins us for a chat about her favorite writing stages, being a mom, silent films, and her latest release The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorJoanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, A Midnight Dance, and The Lost Melody. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone’s story. She lives with her husband and their children in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan.

Author questionsLet’s start with something light. We’re recording this when the weather is still cold and gray, but listeners will be joining us in April

1. What is your favorite thing about spring? (And least favorite if you have something that drives you nuts about the season!) 😉
2. Your bio mentions how you love to hear anyone’s story. Can you share about a time that someone sharing their story had a strong impact on your life?
3. After publishing half a dozen novels, what would you say is your favorite part of bringing a story from a tiny idea to an adventure in the readers’ hands? Your least favorite part?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book: The Elusive Truth of Lily TemplePeter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit–and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story–and the sapphire–Peter employs Lily’s help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.

I love so much about this blurb–a heroine with two very different sides, a turn-of-the-century setting when so much was changing in industrial countries, and perhaps most of all–a hero who doesn’t seem to think the worst of Lily for hiding this highly sought jewel!

1. Can you tell us a little about Peter’s history and how he came to be investigating things for the wealthy?
2. Silent film was a very different industry from the film-making we know today. What interesting tidbits did you discover while researching for this novel?
3. How does this book explore the theme of “treading the crooked line between real and make-believe”?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Joanna Davidson Politano: Newsletter, Baker Book House, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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About the authorERIN BARTELS writes character-driven fiction for curious people. Her readers know to expect that each of her novels will tell a unique story about fallible characters so tangible that it’s hard to believe they are not real people. Whether urban, rural, or somewhere in between, her settings come alive with carefully crafted details that engage all the senses and transport the reader to a singular time and place. And her themes of reckoning with the past, improving the present, and looking with hope to the future leave her readers with a sense of peace and possibility.

Author questions1. After all those years in the big city, what’s your favorite thing about living in a small town, and is there anything you miss? 2. Other than reading, what are some of your hobbies and favorite ways to relax? 3. What is the thing you collect, and what’s the story behind it? (Like some people collect teacups, or some people collect anything with a turtle on it, or things like that.) 4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book The Lady with the Dark Hair.A charismatic man with a legacy that long outlives him. A forgotten woman whose fate is forever tied to his. And the family whose history is still being written.

Toulouse, France—1879

Catalan orphan-turned-fugitive Viviana Torrens has found sanctuary serving in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is in his studio that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists’ pigments. When her past catches up to her, she is compelled to pose as Vella’s sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain to stand trial. Along the way she will discover that the many parts she has been playing in order to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never could have foreseen.

East Lansing, Michigan—Present Day

Esther Markstrom and her artist mother have always been proud of their ancestor, painter Francisco Vella. They even run a small museum and gallery dedicated to raising awareness of his scandalously underappreciated work. But when Esther reconnects with her former art history professor, she finds her once-solid family history on shaky ground as questions arise about Vella’s greatest work—a portrait entitled The Lady with the Dark Hair.

This dual-timeline story takes you on a captivating journey across time and continents, where past and present converge in a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one’s dreams.

This time period is interesting–Victorian years, but not set in England–and I love the premise of exploring the world of art in the 1800s. And way to plunge us into some deep themes and dangerous intrigue!

1. Viviana is the heroine of the historical timeline, but the blurb doesn’t tell us overmuch about who she is. What else can you share about her? (Without giving too much away, of course.)
2. The cool thing about split-time fiction is how directly it explores the way the past touches us today. Why is reckoning with the past an important theme for you personally to weave into your stories?
3. Did you learn anything surprising about nineteenth century France or Spain while you were researching for the historical timeline?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Erin Bartels: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Kimberley Woodhouse joins us for a chat about the Bone Wars, crafting, music, and her latest release Set In Stone. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorKimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty fiction and nonfiction books. She has won The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and has finaled in the Selah Awards and the Spur Awards. She is passionate about Bible study, reading, music, cooking, and pretty-much-all-things-crafty. Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

Author questions1. What crafty project have you been into lately? 2. Your website mentions that you are a third-generation Liszt student. Obviously, you are a lover of music, so why the composer Franz Liszt in particular? 3. As a reader, what is one of your favorite tropes? Least favorite? 4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the bookA dangerous scheme could bury their long-held dreams forever. . . .

From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton–one that could win her an acclaimed exhibit–she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.

Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all.

Book questions1. This is the second book you’ve written set during the Bone Wars of the late 1800s. Could you tell us a little more about this specific piece of history? 2. Working in paleontology as a woman is still a challenge, let alone in the 1800’s. Can you tell us more about Martha and what drives her in such a male-dominated field? 3. The blurb doesn’t tell us much about Jacob except he’s still a student in his field. Who is he personally? 4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Kimberley Woodhouse at her website, newsletter, YouTube, BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Tracie Peterson joins us for a chat about leaving a legacy, Cheyenne history, a fun day in her life, and her latest release A Love Discovered. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorTracie Peterson gave her life to Jesus at the age of six. Tracie knew at an early age that God was calling her to ministry, and writing for Him has allowed her to offer the Gospel message and encourage people to hope in the Lord.

Her motto in writing, as well as all other aspects of life is Soli Deo Gloria—For God Alone the Glory. Often called the “Queen of Historical Christian Fiction,” Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today best-selling author of more than 110 books, most of those historical.

Author questionsThis is the third time you have been on the show, and it is always such a joy. Your writing career is highlighted by books that minster and your willingness to mentor other writers.

1. Your motto for life is For God Alone the Glory. What kind of legacy do you hope to build in the Christian book industry?
2. What does a fun day look like to you?
3. With all the historical novels you’ve written, you’ve likely done a lot of research. What is something that was most fascinating or shocking to you?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book A Love Discovered.Invited by a friend to trek west and help establish the newly formed town of Cheyenne, Edward Vogel is prepared to leave the haunting memories of his wife and son’s deaths behind him. The only problem is the corrupt new railroad town wants family men who can establish law and order, and desperation leads Edward to his friend Marybeth with a proposition of marriage.

After her father’s death leaves her with no means of support, Marybeth Kruger is in danger of having her two-year-old half sister taken from her. So when Edward Vogel, the widower husband of her late best friend, offers her a marriage of convenience to escape both their troubles, she has no choice but to accept.

Life in Cheyenne is fraught with danger, but will this arrangement be enough to save Edward and Marybeth from the pasts they tried to escape? Or will life with each other put them—and their hearts—-in more danger than ever?

Book questions1. What about such an arrangement is different than the popular love of first sight we often see in entertainment today? 2. What kind of place was Cheyenne in the time period your story is set in? 3. A Love Discovered is the first book in THE HEART OF CHEYENNE series. What is the connecting element for all of the books in this series? 4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Tracie Peterson: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, BookBub, and Instagram.

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Amanda Wen joins Darcy for a chat about music, history, family, and her latest release The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorAmanda Wen’s novels have released to both reader and critical acclaim. Her second novel, The Songs That Could Have Been, won both the Selah and the Carol Awards, and her debut, Roots of Wood and Stone, was a finalist for the Christy Award. In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.

Author questions1. You are a musician. What is your favorite song to play, and what is your favorite to listen to? 2. How does music play a part in your writing life? 3. Is there a common theme you find evolving in the books you write? 4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book The Rhythm of Fractured GraceWhen a new customer brings a badly damaged violin into Siobhan Walsh’s shop, it is exactly the sort of challenge she craves. The man who brought it in is not. He’s too close to the painful past that left her heart and her faith in shambles.

Matt Buchanan has had a rough start as the new worship pastor. A car accident on his way into town left him with a nearly totaled truck, and an heirloom violin in pieces. When he takes it to a repair shop, he’s fascinated with the restoration process–and with the edgy, closed-off woman doing the work.

As their friendship deepens and turns into more, they both discover secrets that force them to face past wounds. And the history of the violin reveals more about their current problems than they could have ever expected.

On the nineteenth-century frontier, a gruesome tomahawk attack wiped out most of Deborah Caldwell’s family. Her greatest solace after the tragedy is the music from her father’s prized violin. Given her horrendous scars, she’d resigned herself to a spinster’s life. But Levi Martinson’s gentle love starts to chip away at her hardened heart, until devastating details about the attack are revealed, putting their love–and Deborah’s shaky faith–to the ultimate test.

Full of forgiveness and the message that no one is too damaged for God’s healing touch, the final book in the split-time Sedgwick County Chronicles will thrill fans of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, and Kristy Cambron.

Book questions1. The blurb says “nineteenth-century frontier” so can you share a little more about the time and place where Deborah lives? 2. Just from the tiny bit the blurb shares, I think I’m gonna love Levi Martinson, but could you give us a more thorough introduction to him? 3. It looks like Siobhan and Deborah have some similar lies weighing them down. How do their stories complement each other, even more than a hundred years apart? 4. What’s next for your writing? Kayleighani shi

Connect with Amanda Wen: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and BookBub.

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Angela Bell joins KyLee and Darcy for a chat about her favorite characters in historical fiction, her dream to be a prima ballerina, The Nutcracker, and her latest release A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

About the authorAngela Bell is a twenty-first-century lady with nineteenth-century sensibilities. She resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. One might categorize her books as historical romance, but Angela likes to describe them as “a cuppa Victorian whimsy” because it sounds so much more poetical.

Whenever you need a respite from the modern-day hustle, you’re welcome to visit her parlor at AuthorAngelaBell.com, where she can be found waiting with a pot of tea and a great book.

Angela, welcome to the Historical Bookworm Show.

Some of you might not know, but even though this is Angela’s debut novel, she had been on the show before. That’s right. Angela is part of our Historical Bookworm Team, the only member who comes on the show to record her reviews!

Author questions1. Your bio describes you as a “twenty-first-century lady with nineteenth-century sensibilities.” Are there any traditionally historic practices or traditions that you enjoy on a regular basis? 2. If you could step onto any book and visit with the characters for 30 minutes, which book and why? 3. As a debut author, what advice can you give aspiring writers? 4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book: A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure.When Clara Marie Stanton’s ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it’s all Clara can do to protect them from his desperate schemes and society’s prejudice. Her family may be eccentric, yes, but they certainly aren’t insane. Then Clara’s Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond skilled in repairing clocks, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara’s dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer’s trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself–at any cost.

Book questions

1. What drew you to write about Clara from The Nutcracker?
2. When Drosselmeyer disappears, Clara must follow a scavenger hunt to find him. What inspired you to use a scavenger hunt?
3. Theodore Kingsley is described as a vagabond, clock repairman who is running from a wealthy past. Can you tell us more about Theodore Kingsley?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Angela Bell: Newsletter, Amazon, Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, BookBub, and Instagram.

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About the authorSince 2010, Sarah Sundin has transported readers back to World War II with her mesmerizing and historically accurate novels. In her newest narrative, Embers in the London Sky, Sundin explores the war through the eyes of a mother who has been separated from her beloved child and through a BBC correspondent who knows that reporting the truth will take him deep into the flames. Filled with raw emotion, Embers in the London Sky will captivate, entertain, and educate readers as they plunge into the gritty realities of war.

A mother of three adult children, Sarah lives in Southern California and teaches Sunday school and women’s Bible studies. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers’ groups, and she serves as co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.

Author questions1. With the holiday season just behind us as we record, what is the quintessential Christmas or New Year’s dish that must be on your table? 2. We have a fan-submitted question! Of all the heroes you’ve written over your many books, who is your favorite and why? 3. I love how your stories feature people from so many different backgrounds, Americans, Brits, Germans, and more. How do you approach writing main characters from cultures so different from yours? 4. And another question from a fan: You’ve currently written two series following brothers, the Sunrise at Normandy series and the Wings of Glory series. Your Waves of Freedom series also features two brothers and a sister. Your brothers always have great dynamics, but you have yet to write a series featuring sisters. What do you think draws you to writing brothers, and do you think you’ll ever give us a sister series?

About the book: Embers in the London SkyTo find her child, she’ll stop at nothing. To report the truth will take him deep into the flames.

As she flees the German army invading the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

As if the London Blitz isn’t enough challenge, let’s add a missing child and a murderer hiding behind the Nazis’ bombs! That’s enough intrigue and adventure to satisfy even me, and somewhere they squeeze in a romance as well. Sounds like a story to keep you up all night!

Book questions1. The blurb mentions Hugh’s challenge to report the truth without getting his work censored. What was censorship like in Britain at the time? Why did it exist and how did people respond? 2. With Aleida widowed and focused on her child, I would imagine that places some obstacles to her romance with Hugh. What makes these two perfect for each other? 3. I think one reason people are so fascinated with WWII is the vast scope means there is always something more to learn about it. You’ve spent quite a few years immersed in the European theater, though. Did you run across anything new while researching for this book? (Bonus points if it’s a tidbit that didn’t make it into the book, hehe.) 4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Sarah Sundin: Newsletter, Amazon, BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of fifteen novels, including The Rose and the Thistle, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker, and A Heart Adrift. She is the proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. Though she will always call Kentucky home, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State.

Author questionsYou live in Washington State which is known as the Evergreen State. Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State.

1. After living in these two different states, what do you love best about them?
2. How do you spend your time on rainy, winter days?
3. Can you share a little about your latest read?
4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

ABOUT THE BOOK The Seamstress of AcadieGifted seamstress Sylvie Galant and her Acadian family desire to live peacefully and remain neutral in the upcoming war between the French and the English. But the proximity of their land on Acadie’s rugged shores makes them an easy target. While tensions escalate, Sylvie encounters Major William Blackburn. Although he is a British Army Ranger, Blackburn warns her that the British are poised to invade. But the warning cannot counteract the plans or stop the tide of English soldiers.

William Blackburn has seen firsthand the atrocities that the British have done to the Acadian families and their villages. Rather than participate in the heinous expulsion, Will resigns his commission before a charge of treason is brought against him.

When Sylvie is forcibly removed from her homeland, she finds herself on a ramshackle ship headed to Virginia, where she crosses paths once again with Will. Together they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

Book questionsWe have a British Army Ranger and a seamstress in a war-ravaged land who are cast into an even more perilous situation, headed for America. This sounds like quite the adventure romance!

1. Can you tell us what inspired this story?
2. What is the historical significance of Acadie’s Location?
3. Concerning the romantic thread, what is special about Sylvie and William?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Laura Frantz: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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About the Author Jamie Ogle is a predawn writer, homeschool mom by day, and a reader by night. Inspired by her fascination with the storied history of faith, she writes historical fiction infused with hope, adventure, and courageous rebels. A Minnesota native, she now lives in Iowa with her husband and their three children, and she can usually be found gardening, beekeeping, and tromping through the woods.

Author questions:1. How did you get into beekeeping, and what do you love about it? 2. I love the tagline for your stories on your website – “Good rebels, deep faith.” Can you tell us about how (and why) the theme of rebels worked its way into your story signature? 3. As a homeschool mom, how do you think being a writer affects your approach as a teacher? 4. Is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us or perhaps there is something God has laid on your heart that you would like to share with your readers?

About the book:Of Love and TreasonValentine defies the emperor and becomes a hero . . . and the most wanted man in the empire. Compelled by his faith, he has nothing to lose, until a chance encounter with the daughter of a Roman jailor changes everything.

Rome, AD 270. In the wake of the emperor’s marriage ban, rumors swirl that there is one man brave enough to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. A public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine believes the emperor’s edict unjust and risks his own life for the sake of his convictions. But as his fame grows, so do fears for his safety.

Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailor, believes regaining her sight will ease the mounting troubles at home. Her last hope rests in searching out Valentine and his church, but the danger of associating with people labeled a threat to the empire is great. Still, as Iris’s new friends lead her to faith in God, Iris is drawn to Valentine and they both begin to hope for a future together beyond the treacherous empire.

But when a past debt and a staggering betrayal collide, Valentine, Iris, and everyone they love must fight for their lives . . . and wrestle with trusting a God who can restore sight yet does not always keep His followers from peril.

Book QuestionsAncient Rome and the early Church–the perfect setup for dangerous adventure and deep themes. Also, we seem to have a well-known historical figure at the forefront.

1. Did you learn anything surprising about St. Valentine as you were researching for this book?
2. I love how there are some jailers with pretty interesting experiences in the New Testament, and you have a heroine who is the daughter of a Roman jailer. How does that shape Iris’ life?
3. As you were researching ancient Rome for this book, did you run across any surprising facts?
4. What’s next for your writing?

Connect with Jamie Ogle: Newsletter, BookBub, Amazon, Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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THE BOOKIt promises beauty but steals life instead. Will the ghosts of Barlowe Theater entomb them all?

Barlowe Theater stole the life of Greta Mercy’s eldest brother during its construction. Now in 1915, the completed theater appears every bit as deadly. When Greta’s younger brother goes missing after breaking into the building, Greta engages the assistance of a local police officer to help her unveil the already ghostly secrets of the theater. But when help comes from an unlikely source, Greta decides that to save her family she must uncover the evil that haunts the theater and put its threat to rest.

Decades later, Kit Boyd’s best friend vanishes during a ghost walk at the Barlowe Theater, and old stories of mysterious disappearances and ghoulish happenings are revived. Then television ghost-hunting host and skeptic Evan Fisher joins Kit in the quest to identify the truth behind the theater’s history. Kit reluctantly agrees to work with him in hopes of finding her missing friend. As the theater’s curse unravels Kit’s life, she is determined to put an end to the evil that has marked the theater and their hometown for the last century.

THE REVIEWHello everyone who is listening, my name is Katie and I’m from Paperbacks and Ponytails on YouTube. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright, and again thank you to Baker Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read and share my thoughts with you.

I said in my written review that this book was a can’t put down, but shouldn’t be read at night thrilling read from the queen of creepy goodness.

In this book, we are following dual timelines that are connected through family secrets, mystery, and intrigue. In the modern timeline, we are following Kit and her best friend Madison–who wants to save the Barlowe Theater from the clutches of her grandfather who wants to tear it down. So Madison hires a ghost-hunting TV show to bring publicity to the theater. But soon things get turned upside down and Madison is discovered missing. Ghost-hunting skeptic Evan and Kit must work together to uncover what happened.

In the past timeline during the early 1900s, we follow Greta who is from the poorest part of town. She is friends with a few of the upper crust of society. Her friends take her to the Barlowe Theater which is newly built. And during the show at the theater Greta witnesses a baby being thrown from the balcony by a woman in white. But there is no baby to be found and she is presumed to be insane. Along with money troubles, her older brother is killed during the construction of the Theater, and now another brother goes missing with his friends in the Barlowe Theater. These boys are never seen coming back out. What mysteries lie in wait at Barlowe Theater?

I loved this new book by Jaime Jo! It was the perfect amount of creepy and entertaining fun. I really loved both timelines. The historical timeline is usually my favorite in dual-timeline books, which is the case in this book. I was so invested in the characters and what was going to happen to them. I loved both Greta and Kit and couldn’t wait to turn the next page. I dropped everything else to read this book. I mentioned that this book shouldn’t be read at night, it’s not over the top creepy but when you’re reading it at 1 am and you get to the point in a book where it’s a dark and creepy atmosphere and something grabs a character?

You know it’s time to either read quickly or go to bed and wait until morning to finish. It was a five-star, compelling, and highly entertaining read that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. A must read for historical mystery lovers.

Thank you to the Historical Bookworm Show for having me on their podcast to talk about The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright.

THE AUTHORJaime Jo Wright (JaimeWrightBooks.com) is the author of ten novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hilland Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She’s also a two-time Christy Award finalist, as well as the ECPA bestselling author of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau and two Publishers Weekly bestselling novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her family and felines.

Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.

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Hello and welcome to another season of the Historical Bookworm Show. We are so blessed to be on the air, chatting with authors, and sharing such amazing historical books.

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Cindy and Erin Woodsall join us for a chat about Amish culture, coping with losing a child, co-authoring, and their latest release Until Then. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Crystal Caudill joins us for a chat about developing the characters, parenting, Christmas traditions, and her latest release Star of Wonder. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Melanie Dobsonjoins us for a chat about music, a piece of family history that inspired the character of Poppy, her favorite children's book, and her latest release The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Tamera Alexander joins us for a chat about her favorite historical eras, her favorite characters, writing contemporary characters, and her latest release A Million Little Choices. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Did you know that middle Georgia was the American frontier in the early 1700s? To keep the wild animals from overwhelming them in the cold winter, settlers had to burn wild pine knots in the yards. Among the wild animals in Jackson County they had to watch out for was a multitude of panthers!

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Tessa Afshar joins us for a chat about King Darius of the Bible, writing historical fiction, and her latest release The Peasant King. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Cindy K. Sproles joins us for a chat about her favorite southern, comfort food, writing fiction and nonfiction, and her latest release This Is Where It Ends. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Today we are talking with Roseanna M. White about her spring release Yesterday's Tides. Rosanna is a bestselling, Christy Award–winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself.

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Leslie Gould joins us for a chat about Amish and Mennonite History, WW2, beloved readers, and her novel A Brighter Dawn. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Jen Turano joins us for a chat about fashion, Gilded Age matchmaking, her writing quirks, and her latest release A Match in the Making. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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On today’s episode, Amanda Cabot joins us for a chat about her latest release After the Shadows. Our Pinch for the Past takes a look at the largest earthquake in California’s recorded history and comparable to the 1906 San Francisco quake. For our Bookworm Review, Grace Hitchcock shares her review of Remember Me by Tracie Peterson.

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Jocelyn Green joins us for a chat about her favorite books, Egyptomania, and her latest release The Metropolitan Affair. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book! For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at masked heroes of television including Zorro and The Loan Ranger. Today’s Bookworm Review features Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer.

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Tracie Peterson joins us for a chat about the World’s Fair, Seattle, historical cameras, and her latest release REMEMBER ME. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book! For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at Houses of Refuge with Crystal Caudill. Today’s Bookworm Review features The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green.

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Susie Finkbeiner joins us for a chat about her beloved state of Michigan, what draws her to write stories set in the 50s and 60s, and her latest releaseThe All-American. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book! Widow Minerva Jenkins has lived alone in her small mountain home for 40 years where she has guarded her husband’s deathbed request. When a young reporter comes calling and inquires about a rumored box of gold on her property, an unlikely friendship forms. Will she go to her grave with her husband’s secret, or will the weight of it be the death of her?

For today’s Pinch of the Past we are looking at some little-known facts about sequences. Did you know that Egyptomania thrust sequences into the fashion spotlight in the 1920s? For more, listen to the episode.

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. “Where the Last Rose Blooms by Ashley Clark is everything I’d hoped it would be. Poignant. Beautiful. With the warmth and southern charm of my Granny’s hand-stitched quilt.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Susie Finkbeiner: Facebook, BookBub, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, YouTube, her Newsletter, and Amazon.

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Stephanie Landsem joins us for a chat about travel, her favorite Bible stories, and her latest release Code Name Edelweiss. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction for women, about women. She’s traveled the world in real life and traveled through time in her research and imagination. As she’s learned about women of the past, she’s come to realize that these long-ago women were very much like us. They loved, dreamed, and made mistakes. They struggled, failed, and triumphed. She writes to honor their lives and to bring today’s women hope and encouragement. Stephanie makes her home in Minnesota with her husband, two cats and a dog, and frequent visits from her four adult children. Along with reading, writing, and research, she dreams about her next travel adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

For today’s Pinch of the Past, Darcy brings us three interesting battle items of medieval times.

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M. White. (Full review here.)

Connect with Stephanie: Newsletter, her website, Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram. Plus you can get a free story set in 1930s Hollywood: All That Glitters

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Sarah Sundin joins us for a chat about her two rescue dogs, her favorite time period, and her latest release The Sound of Light. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at three hero dogs of World War Two, the largest of which was a 150 lb. Newfoundland and the smallest a 4 lb. Yorkshire Terrier.

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. “The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep, is a rollicking adventure from beginning to end! With edge-of-your-seat action and Dickensian flair, Griep has created a fun story that will transport readers to the Victorian Era.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Sarah Sundin: Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, BookBub, and Instagram.

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Mary Connealy joins us for a chat about hymns, blacksmiths in Wyoming, her favorite books, and her latest release Forged in Love. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at Old Western terms and quotes.

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. “If you’re obsessed with true crime and love gothic fiction, you’re sure to agree that “Premonition at Withers Farm by Jamie Jo Wright is a haunting read!” (Full review here.)

Connect with Mary: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Jennifer Deibel joins us for a chat about Irish foods, the uniqueness of historical fiction, and her latest release The Maid of Ballymacool. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at the Victorian Etiquette of Courtship.

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Narella Adkins from Story Chats Podcast. “Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem is a Christian novel, and the faith themes are woven beautifully into the story.” (Full review here.)

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The EpisodeJill Eileen Smith joins us for a chat about ancient history, writing biblical fiction, and her latest release Daughter of Eden. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at Lucy Goodale Thurston a missionary to the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1800s.

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Christie K of this Historical Bookworm Review Team. “Pepper Basham’s previous books have always consisted of standout characters a reader can’t resist rooting and falling for. In The Mistletoe Countess, Basham stays true to her loyal followers.” (Read full review here.)

Connect with Jill Eileen Smith: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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Laura Frantz joins us for a chat about castles, Scottish heritage, travel and her latest release The Rose and the Thistle. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we had Tisha Martin on the show to share Novel Research: Town History. It’s always fun to dig into the history of the town you’re writing about. Many famous people grew up in small towns, which is really surprising. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Christie K. “The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham is the second in a series and there are several allusions to the instances in the first book but it could function as a standalone. Except, the first book was so much fun to read that I highly recommend reading that one too!” (Full review here.)

Enter the giveaway by following this link or below.

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Patricia Raybon joins us for a chat about under-appreciated novels, taking one day at a time, special readers, and her latest release Double the Lies. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at the defense of a castle! As decades of siege warfare passed, architects and designers learned to use even the smallest things to their advantage to make a castle as defensible as possible… (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Christie K. “All the Lost Places has themes of forgiveness and grace woven throughout with very mild violence during the climatic scene. Both stories have sweet romances.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Patricia Raybon: Bookclub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

Mentions in the episode: Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton book recommendation.

“While you live, tell truth and shame the devil!”

– William Shakespeare

Henry IV, Part 1, Act 3, Scene 1.

Ad link: Join Kimberly Woodhouse @ A Million Miles with Kim

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Kimberly Duffy joins us for a chat about travel, writing, and her latest release The Weight of Air. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

On today’s Pinch of the Past we will be looking at an extraordinary woman before her time. Ada Lovelace is considered the first computer programmer, was the daughter of Lord Byron, and the most wealthy women of the 1800s. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Christie K.

“If you’re in the mood for a combustible combination of danger, romance, strong characters, willful horses, and family drama–The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H McGee is a must-read!” (Full review here.)

Connect with Kimberly Duffy at: Newsletter, Amazon, Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

Current giveaways include Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams by Jennifer Lamont Leo & A Mark of Grace by Kimberly Woodhouse.

Ad link: Join Kimberly Woodhouse @ A Million Miles with Kim

https://kimberleywoodhouse.com/a-million-miles-with-kim/

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Jennifer Lamont Leo joins us for a chat about Hollywood, Christians in film, and her latest release Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at a children’s temperance society in the 1800s, The Band of Hope (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is His Delightful Lady Delia by Grace Hitchcock. (Full review here.)

Connect with Jennifer Lamont Leo : her podcast The Sparkling Vintage Life, JenniferLamontLeo.com, Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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In episode 53: Kimberly Woodhouse joins us for a chat about new year resolutions, One Million Miles with Kim, future writing projects, and her latest release A Mark of Grace. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

Kim was on the show last year sharing A Gem of Truth. You can find that episode here.

Pinch of the Past: The Band of Hope Park 1. There is nothing new under the sun. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard my dad say that over the years. I guess I should not have been surprised then when I ran across a temperance association that educated children(!) about the dangers of drugs and alcohol in the 1800s. Like our modern-day D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education.) (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell of the Historical Bookworm Review Team. Here is part of her review of The Debutante’s Code.

“Erica Vetsch has once again proven herself to be a skilled writer with a flair for capturing the details and atmosphere of a historic setting. Her words bring Regency Era London to life, juxtaposing grimy pubs and glittering ballrooms so vividly that one wonders if Vetsch is in fact a time-traveler recounting her visits to the past.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Kimberly Woodhouse: Book Bub, Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram.

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In today’s episode, we are joined by Janyre Tromp for a chat about our favorite Christmas stories historical and recently released, including the novella set Janyre is a part of, O Little Town.

Janyre is a historical novelist who loves spinning tales that, at their core, hunt for beauty, even when it isn’t pretty. She’s also a book editor, published children’s book author, and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her family, two crazy cats, and a slightly eccentric Shetland Sheepdog.

Here is a little about Janyre’s novella “While Mortals Sleep.”

While World War II rages overseas, news reporter Eleanor Sweers returns home to Mapleview to face the repercussions of the death of her sister and her nightmare of Christmases past. But the homefront isn’t as far from the war as she thought: a bomb has landed in the middle of the U.S. Now Eleanor and family friend Gideon Braum may have to choose between the scoop of a lifetime and the love of a lifetime.

Connect with Janyer: Newsletter, Amazon, Website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

Connect with Janyer on Instagram

Listener Recommended Christmas Book List1. Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham 2. A Texas Christmas Carol by Karen Witemeyre 3. A Christmas Promise: A Victorian Christmas Novella by Gabrielle Meyer 4. Five n Dime Christmas from Barbour 5. The Unbroken Song by Jennifer Q. Hunt 6. Michelle Griep’s Once Upon a Dickens Christmas 7. Joy to the World novella collection by Erica Vetsch, Amanda Barratt, and Carolyn Miller. 8. A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs 9. An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti. 10. The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels 11. While Mortals Sleep by Janyre Tromp part of the O Little Town novlella set 12. The Christmas Book by Lynn Austin 13. Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander 14. The Matchmaker’s Gift: by Lynda Cohen Loigman 15. Holly’s Homecoming by Jenny Knipfer 16. The Woodcarver’s Snow-kissed Christmas by Izzy James 17. A Husband for Christmas Margaret Tanner 18. The Doctor’s Daughter 19. Gabriel’s Gift by Susan Baganz 20. Yesterday’s Christmas by A.M. Heath 21. A Hill Country Christmas: Hope for Hardscrabble Times by Lynn Dean, Gail Kittleson, Michael Barr, Gina Lister, & Shannon McFarland 22. Christmas Roses by Amanda Joy Cabot 23. Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden 24. An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen 25. Victorian Christmas Brides Collection 26. Giver of Wonders by Roseanna White. 27. The Christmas Melody by Shanna Hatfield 28. Holiday Hope by Shanna Hatfield 29. Holiday Heart by Shanna Hatfield 30. Holiday Home by Shanna Hatfield 31. Christmas at the Inn by Ashley Clark Book 32. A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Historical Romances during American Pioneer Christmases by Margaret Brownley, Wanda E. Brunstetter, Kelly Eileen Hake, Liz Johnson , Jane Kirkpatrick, Liz Tolsma, Michelle Ule, Debra Ullrick, Erica Vetsch 33. Christmas on King Street by Ashley Clark 34. Christmas at the Inn by Ashley Clark

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Grace Hitchcock joins us for a chat about the Gilded Age, opera phantoms, and her latest release His Delightful Lady Delia. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at a brief history of Santa Claus traditions. Did you know Santa didn’t run his delivery route on Christmas Eve until 1821? (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Angela Bell. “The Mobster’s Daughterby Rachel Scott McDaniel distills the atmospheric haze of a Noir film, the heel-kicking excitement of the Jazz Age, and the romantic tension of an almost kiss into a concoction as intoxicating as moonshine.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Grace: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Julie Klassen joins us for a chat about regency England, Jane Austen Easter eggs, and her latest releaseSisters of Sea View. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

A Pinch of the Past: What do Mary had a Little Lamb and Thanksgiving have in common? Author, editor, activist, and mother Sarah J. Hale. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Megan Adams from the bookstagram account Messy Bun, Bookish Fun. “If you enjoy capable cowgirls, romance with a little sizzle, and family sagas, you’ll want to grab a copy of Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Julie: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Tessa Afshar joins us for a chat about latest release The Hidden Prince. For today’s Pinch of the Past, Michelle Griep joins us to share about Victorian methods of transportation. Today’s Bookworm Review is The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano.

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On this episode, we talk with Amy Lynn Green about her latest release: The Blackout Book Club. Our Pinch of the Past features jobs that barely kept people out of the poorhouse and for our bookworm review we’re taking a peek at Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L. Wright

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Bryan Litfin joins us for a chat about Constantine’s empire, the early Church, writing, and his latest release Caesar’s Lord. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

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Stephenia McGee joins us for a chat about her latest release The Secrets of Emberwild. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book! For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at how birthdays have been celebrated throughout history. Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Beth Bulow. “If you love Biblical fiction full of endearing characters, a tender, hard-won romance, and exciting journeys to distant kingdoms,  The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar is an absolute must read for you.”

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Misty M. Beller joins us for a chat about her latest release A Daughter's Courage.

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at the history of the man who made apples an American thing–the man best known as Johnny Appleseed. Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. “ If you’re a fan of women’s fiction and dual time narratives, you’re sure to agree that Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd is a beautiful bouquet of a book!”

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The 2022 Fall Preview includes a list of authors who will be appearing on the show, news of changes to come, and some new team members.

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Jaime Jo Wright joins us for a chat about creepy houses, startling old medical treatments, and her latest release The Premonition at Withers Farm. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book! Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel was everything I'd hoped and more! If you enjoy quick-witted romances and a good gumshoe mystery, you’re sure to agree that “Above the Fold” is the bee's knees! (Full review here.) Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Angela Bell. Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel was everything I'd hoped and more! If you enjoy quick-witted romances and a good gumshoe mystery, you’re sure to agree that “Above the Fold” is the bee's knees! (Full review here.)

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Kimberley Woodhouse joins us for an interview about her book A Gem of Truth. A Pinch of the Past is part 3 of the 1900 Paris Exposition and for a book review we have The Number of Love by Rosanna M. White.

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Jane Kirkpatrick joins us for a chat about her latest novel Beneath the Bending Skies. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book! Today’s Pinch of the Past is part 2 of the 1900 Paris Exposition and our Bookworm Review features The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel

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Jennifer L. Wright joins us for a chat about her latest release Come Down Somewhere. Today’s Pinch of the Past is part 1 of the 1900 Paris Exposition and our Bookworm review is The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark.

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Roseanna M. White joins us for a chat about her latest release Worthy of Legend and Liz Tolsma hosts A Pinch of the Past: All About the Alamo. If you love historical fiction, period dramas, or grew up admiring the Mary Kay lady with her pretty pink cosmetics, then you simply must try Moondrop Miracle by Jennifer Lamont Leo!

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Join Michelle Griep for a chat about her novel The Bride of Blackfriar’s Lane.

On a Pinch of the Past we Today we take a peek at the women who served at St. Augustine Lighthouse, World War II and beyond. and, we have a special guest on our Bookworm review; Alison Treat shares her review of Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin.

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Join us for an insightful interview with Tracie Peterson and enter to win a copy of BEYOND THE DESERT SANDS. In a Pinch of the Past features St. Augustine Lighthouse part 1. We have a special guest sharing a review today! Naomi Criag gives 5 things you didn’t know about This Hallowed Ground by Donna E. Lane.

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Our featured guest today is Naomi Craig with her latest release Ezekiel's Song. On a Pinch of the Past, we're wrapping up part three of Sears and Roebuck 1897 with medicines. And, for our Bookworm Review: Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano.

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Our featured book today is A Chance for Genevieve by Parker J. Cole. In this episode we chat books, podcasting, and what a character what a character who is uniquely feminine looks like. Our Pinch of the Past takes another gander at Sears and Roebuck series. Also, enjoy a Bookworm Review of Hope Between the Pages by Pepper D. Basham.

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Our featured book today is By Way of the Moonlight by ELIZABETH MUSSER. For our Pinch of the Past we look at a selection of household goods from an 1897 Sears and Roebuck Catalogue providing a glimpse into rural American life in the 19th century. Additionally, here is a book review of Lost in Darkness by Michelle Griep—an “Enchanting Regency-Era Gothic Romance Intertwined with Inspiration from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.”

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Our guest today is an award winning fiction and non fiction author, Cynthia Ruchti. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, and shares a very special event on this episode.

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Lynn Austin shares the development of her story Long Way Home. Pinch of the Past features a piece on All about train wrecks in the 1800s. On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright is another great time split story from Wright with characters everyone can relate to—a man battling past scars through addiction and two women from different time periods trying to find their worth and handling that trauma in unhealthy ways.

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Karen Witemeyer shares about her latest release,  In Honor's Defense, and she has been so kind to offer a complete set of Hanger's Horsemen Series!  Book Review: If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction with plenty of danger, and enemies-to-lovers romance, pick up a copy of The Sound of Diamonds. This is the first book in the Steadfast Love Series, so if you find yourself hooked, there’s more to enjoy. (Full post here.)

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Jody Hedlund shares about her Colorado Cowboys Series For a chance to win a copy of  To Tame a Cowboy, check out the giveaway page on our website Historical Bookworm dot com. You also find the giveaway link in the show notes for this episode. 

A Pinch of the Past: Children and Education Throughout History.

Book Review: Shadows in the Mind by Janyre Tromp.

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Interview: Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of seven novels shared about her amazing new release, When Stone Wings Fly check out her website at https://karenbarnettbooks.com/

Pinch of the Past: American staples. Peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, the Cobb Salad, M & Ms. Where did they all come from. Learn about these and others on today’s Pinch of the Past

Bookworm Review of Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordman. It’s been some time since I’ve read a historical romance book that was such a pleasure to read. I finished it in two days and I’m still thinking about the story and the characters.

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In this episode, Jaime shares about her latest novel, the steller spooky, The Souls of Lost Lake! Our Pinch of the Past today features the story of the Castillo de San Marcos.

Bookworm Review If you love the premise of time travel, enjoy books with a heroine of strong convictions, and are in the mood for a unique series, pick up When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer. (read the full book review here.)

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Join us for a chat with Award-winning author, Ann H. Gabhart as she shares her latest release When the Meadow Blooms. Pinch of the Past takes a look at Canada and the American Civil War. And our Bookworm Review Features Long Way Home by Lynn Austin.

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Interview: Join Angela as she chats with us about her latest WW2 novel A Rose for the Resistance a part of the Heroines of WWII by Barbour.

Pinch of the Past: Here is a pinch of the history behind the holiday and some April Fool’s Day pranks via Television

Bookworm Review: The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

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Interview: Christy Awards finalist Michelle Shocklee shares about her latest release Count the Nights by Stars. She is the author of several historical novels, including Under the Tulip Tree, a Christy Awards finalist. Her work has been included in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books, magazines, and blogs. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of two grown sons, she makes her home in Tennessee, not far from the historical sites she writes about.

Pinch of the past: Spring time poems by American poets Robert Frost, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Emily Dickinson, and Carl Sandburg.

Bookworm review: The Spark of Love (Mesquite Springs book#3) by Amanda Cabot. Cabot’s third book keeps the Mesquite Springs momentum going and ends the series with a satisfying story.

GIVEAWAY!

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Join us for an interview with bestselling author Amanda Cabot. Her books have been honored with a starred review from Publishers Weekly and have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers’ Best. In this episode, she shares with us about her latest release A Spark of Love.

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Interview Crystal Caudill chats about her debut novel Counterfeit Love.

Pinch of the Past – Mail Order Bride Many women answered the call to marry men in different regions to escape hardship, emigrate to another country, and sometimes to seek adventure. Historical Bookworm Review: Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund. If you’re in the mood for a time-traveling romance that will take you beyond the realms of reality, Never Leave Me should be at the top of your TBR queue.

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As 2021 comes to an end, I feel especially grateful for the Historical Bookworm Show. When we started out, there were a lot of unknowns, and it required some faith to start this show from the ground up. 

Thank you, listeners, for your time and support of the authors we have on the show. And, a special thanks to all the authors who have given of their time and hearts to be here. 

We wanted to let you all know we will be taking the months of January and February off for personal reasons. Our plan is to be back in March with new books and more wonderful authors.

To celebrate a successful year, we are giving away free books! That’s right, we are running a giveaway for the month of January. Three winners will each get to choose a book that we featured on the Historical Bookworm Show in 2021.

Thank you again for listening!

In the words of Charles Dickens,  “...may the New Year be a happy one to you, happy to many more whose happiness depends on you!”

― KyLee & Darcy

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Join us for a chat with Christi Award winning Author Amanda Cox as she shares how The Secret Keepers of the Old Depot Grocery came to be. In our Pinch of the Past we take a peek at New Years traditions and where they originated from. Bookworm Review: features Under The Texas Mistletoe by Karen Witemeyer.

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For those who love to smile as they read, today’s guest offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen Witemeyer chats with us about her 3-in-1 Christmas novella collection Under The Texas Mistletoe.

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Join author Katherine Reay for a chat about her latest release The London House.

Did you know that there were female spies for George Washington? Yep.

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Join us and guest Joanna Davidson Politano as she chats about her latest novel A Midnight Dance. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone's story. She lives with her husband and their kids in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan.

Last week’s Pinch of the Past was so fun we split it into two segments. Enjoy learning about the origins of Red Velvet Cake and a vegetarian dish made of necessity during WWII.

On our Bookworm Review, we feature The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox. If you’re seeking a redeeming story involving the unbreakable, but sometimes fragile relationships between mothers and daughters, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery is a must read. You can find the entire written review here.

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Join WW2 novelist and podcast host Liz Tolzma as she talks about her latest release A Picture of Hope. On our Pinch of the Past we look at part 1 of Historical Foods We Enjoy Today. We also have a review of A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse.

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Patricia Raybon joins us for a chat about her debut novel All that is Secret book 1 of the Annalee Spain Mystery series. Pinch of the Past, with we talk about the history of Chess, Backgammon, and Go. A Bookworm Review of The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green to your fall reading list.

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Join guest Lori Benton for a chat about her latest release Shilo Book 2 of the Kindred Series. We look at staggering quotes from Jane Austin, Mark Twain, and Fredrick Douglas on our pinch of the past. In the mood for a charming historical romance mixed with danger then Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden should be on the top of your TBR.

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Join us for a chat with author and speaker Amy Green as she shares about writing her latest WWII novel, The Lines Between Us. Bookworm Review If you’re in the mood for a riveting courtroom drama that extends beyond the court, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque will have you searching for ways to prove the truth alongside the barrister.

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Interview plus GIVEAWAY!

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund shares about her time travel novel Come Back to Me. We talk prolific hymn writers on the Pinch of the Past and a Bookworm Review of In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem.

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Author Ann H. Gabhart talks about her latest release Along a Storied trail. A Pinch of the Past offers insights to teachers and schools in history, and a Bookworm review features Bookworm Review … Faith’s Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller. If you enjoy a story about second chances--with plenty of the adventures a Montana wilderness can throw at you--definitely pick up a copy of Faith’s Mountain Home.

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On this episode we chat with Lisa T. Bergren about her book Begotten, then we look at eighteenth century coinage on in our Pinch of the Past, and we review The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski.

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Author Stephanie Landsem talks about Depression-era Hollywood and her new book In a Far Off Land. For our Pinch of the Past we are looking Rapunzel. From ancient Persia, to Italy, and then Germany. Bookworm Review: Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin.

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Interview: Misty M. Beller shares her love for potato casserole (aka shepherd’s pie,) the mountains, and her novel Courage in the Mountain Wilderness. Pinch of the Past: A look at some of the American political writings from before 1776, showing how the thought of the day finally grew into Jefferson's monumental document. Bookworm Review: The Curator's Daughter by Melanie Dobson.

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Bestselling and award-winning author Carolyn Miller talks about her latest release Dusk’s Darkest Dawn. Our Pinch of the Past offers a look at Seattle in the 1900s -- the shocking and heart wrenching. And, our Bookworm Review offers a glimpse of bestselling author Jody Hedlund’s first time travel novel Come Back to Me.

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In this episode Sarah Loudin Thomas shares about The Right Kind of Fool, we look at 1950s trends, and review A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

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Join us for a chat with historical biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar as she talks about her latest release. Pinch of the Past …We enjoy the history of Cinderella, from its beginnings in Ancient Greece to China and finally the Disney version. Bookworm Review: Roseanna M. White’s Dreams of Savannah.

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Join us for a chat with bestselling author Roseanna M. White, medieval terminology on a Pinch of the Past, & a review of Destined for You by Tracy Peterson.

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Join us for a chat with Kimberly A. Duffy as she shares about her latest release Tapestry of Light. In our Pinch of the Past segment we look at different occupations of the 1800s. For our Bookworm Review, we talk about Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse.

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Elizabeth Camden as she shares her wisdom about writing touching love stories, the worth of failure, and the inspiration behind her latest release The Prince of Spies. Pinch of the Past we explore the odd and humorous slang employed by Tom Arleth, a secondary character in Grace Livingston Hill’s 1932 edition of Happiness Hill. Bookworm Review features Mary Connealy’s latest release, Braced for Love.

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After much prayer and consideration, Historical Bookworm is moving forward with plans of expanding our reach through additional media and literary outlets. We’re looking at including a biweekly newsletter, podcast transcripts, and a blog post to go with each episode instead of the typical show notes. 

If you like the show but maybe you don’t have time to listen or perhaps you want more from the podcast, Historical Bookworm Newsletter is for you. We will include things like photos from the Pinch of the Past, additional book reviews, and giveaways.

Another change you will notice is that of one of our hosts. Kendy Pearson is moving on to other endeavors in the writing industry. While wishing Kendy the best and supporting her in every way we can, I am thrilled to have Miss Darcy Fornier joining me as cohost.

Darcy is a historical/fantasy fiction author, history lover, and Christian. You can find out more about her at DarcyFornier.com. You can subscribe to Historical Bookworm Newsletter by following this link.

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Join us for a chat with award-winning author Melanie Dobson, & a review of All Through the Night by Tara Johnson.

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Join us for a chat with Jocelyn Green. Our Pinch of the Past covers historical tidbits about spring break and Bookworm Review brings you Laura Frantz’s "Tidewater Bride."

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Join us for an interview with the delightful Tara Johnson as she shares her beautiful gift of story in her sweet southern way. Our Bookworm Review brings you Tamara Leigh’s 2021 medieval release, Boundless.

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Join KyLee and Kendy for a chat with author Michelle Griep, professing Anglophile and Sci-Fi geek. It is open season as we discuss dogs, homeschooling, castles, and even where she got her story idea for her latest book.