author interview Archives - Historical Bookworm

April 1, 2024April 2, 2024

A Bookchat about Set In Stone with Kimberley Woodhouse

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 author

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.

Author questions

What crafty project have you been into lately?
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?
As a reader, what is one of your favorite tropes? Least favorite?
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 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 questions

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?
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?
The blurb doesn’t tell us much about Jacob except he’s still a student in his field. Who is he personally?
What’s next for your writing?

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

December 25, 2023December 25, 2023

A Bookchat about Star of Wonder with Crystal Caudill

About the author:

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. Her debut novel Counterfeit Love was a 2023 Carol Award finalist. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Let’s start with something fun.

Since we’re discussing a Christmas book today, what is your personal favorite Christmas tradition?
As a writer, do you have more fun developing the characters or the plot for a story?
Your bio mentions you’re a stay-at-home mom. What do you think is the most important thing you’ve learned about parenting over the years?
Is there anything especially interesting you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us, or perhaps something God has laid on your heart to share with your readers?

About the book

Now let’s take a moment to talk about your latest release, Star of Wonder, a novella in the collection titled, We Three Kings: A Romance Christmas Collection.

Best-selling romance authors Caudill, Putman, and Strong follow three generations of the Weise family in this third collection of Christmas novellas from Kregel.

“Star of Wonder” by Crystal Caudill

The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family’s grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise’s chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.

“Beauty Bright” by Cara Putman

Lieutenant Charles Weise served as a Monuments Man after World War II and now works to restore stolen art to rightful owners. Captain Lillian Thorsen pairs up with him not only to return treasures but also to fix the war-torn lives around them.

“Perfect Light” by Angela Ruth Strong

Essential oils mogul Brendon Wise is drawn to Lacey Foster, the event planner for his huge Christmas lights festival. But when he inadvertently makes a spectacle of her on television, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. Will a chance to give gifts to those in need at Christmas be the key to discovering common ground–and maybe love?

Book questions

So your story is the one set farthest back in history of these three novellas, and we are exploring a steamer ship–one that hides some dangerous secrets.

It’s so interesting to see how people celebrated Christmas in the past, so what sort of festivities did Aldrich Weise plan for his grand Christmas voyage on a steamer ship?
The blurb doesn’t give us any hints, so can you tell us a little about Celestia Isaacs?
What was your favorite tidbit of history you ran across while researching for this story?
What’s next for your writing?

Crystal is offering a copy of We Three Kings: A Romance Christmas Collection. You can enter to win below.

Connect with Crystal Caudill: Newsletter, Facebook, Facebook group, Instagram, Twitter GoodReads, BookBub, Amazon, and Pinterest

August 6, 2023August 6, 2023

Episode 67: A Bookchat about A Match in the Making with Jen Turano

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

About Jen

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, Colorado.

About the book

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.

Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano’s trademark wit, sweet romance, and hilarious mischief will keep you turning the pages of this lively Gilded Age tale.

Connect with Jen

Jen’s free novella Gentleman of Her Dreams which was mentioned on the show.

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

May 29, 2023May 29, 2023

A Bookchat about The All-American with Susie Finkbeiner & a Review of Where the Last Rose Blooms by Ashley Clark

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 release The 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.

December 22, 2022January 31, 2023

Episode 52: A Christmas Special & a Bookchat about O Little Town with Janyre Tromp

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 List

December 8, 2022December 9, 2022

A Bookchat about Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen & a Review of Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund

Julie Klassen joins us for a chat about regency England, Jane Austen Easter eggs, and her latest release Sisters 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.

November 20, 2022November 22, 2022

A Bookchat about The Hidden Prince with Tessa Afshar & a Review of The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

Tessa Afshar joins us for a chat about biblical fiction, ancient history, and her latest release The Hidden Prince. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, Michelle Griep joins us to share 3 Types of Victorian Travel. You might guess that the “penny-farthing” got its name from the cost of fare, but it has to do with the size of the coins. (Full post here.) Her book The Bride of Blackfriar’s Lane shows some of these transportation methods in action!

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Christie K. “In The Lost Melody, Politano creates another fantastic story with an undercurrent of foreboding, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, a forbidden romance, and a heroine who is determined to find her path through it all.” (Full review here.)

Connect with Tessa: Newsletter (scroll down), Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.

October 29, 2022October 29, 2022

A Bookchat about Caesar’s Lord with Bryan Litfin & a Review of Paint and Nectar by Ashley Clark.

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!

For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at some strange medical practices, one of which dates back to 6500 B.C. A treatment for headaches, head wounds, and madness, trepanning was not for the faint of heart. (Full post here.)

Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Angela Bell. “If you love southern fiction and nuanced dual time stories, Paint and Nectar is sure to be your cup of tea!” (Full review here.)

Connect with Bryan: Blog, Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram.

October 27, 2022October 27, 2022

Episode 46: A Bookchat about The Secrets of Emberwild with Stephenia McGee & a Review of The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar

Stephenia McGee joins us for a chat about horses, muscle cars, writing, and 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. By the way, did you know that “Happy Birthday” is not public domain? That’s right, more than a 100 years old, and someone still owns the copyright. (Full post here.)

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.” (Full review here.)

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

October 10, 2022October 10, 2022

A Bookchat about The Premonition at Withers Farm with Jaime Jo Wright & a Review of Above the Fold by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Jaime Jo Wright joins us for a chat about creepy houses, startling historical 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 Pinch of the Past takes us to the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, to explore the history behind a little hidden gem called the House of the Fairies. (Full post 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.)

Connect with Jaime: Website, Newsletter, Madlit Mentoring, Madlit Musing Podcast, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.