Beauty from Ashes in Life and Fiction: Diving Deep with Liz Tolsma

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 Inspiration

Liz 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 Heart

A 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 Review

Today’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

Storytelling and Surprises with Joanna Davidson Politano

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.

Continue reading “Storytelling and Surprises with Joanna Davidson Politano”

Episode 108: Rebuilding after World War II with Australian Author Jennifer Mistmorgan

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.

Continue reading “Episode 108: Rebuilding after World War II with Australian Author Jennifer Mistmorgan”

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.

Continue reading “Episode 108: Rebuilding after World War II with Australian Author Jennifer Mistmorgan”

Finding True Freedom: World War II Scotland with Sarah Sundin

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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Episode 106: Discover the Dangerously Good Stories of Historical Romance Author Crystal Caudill

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.

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Exploring the Depths of Faith: Jill Eileen Smith’s Journey Through Biblical Fiction

In this episode we had the pleasure of conversing with Jill Eileen Smith, an esteemed best-selling author known for her biblical novels. Jill has enthralled readers with her series on the Wives of King David and is now set to release a new novel, Dawn of Grace, which navigates through the life of Mary Magdalene, slated for release in February 2025.

Highlights from the Interview

A Writer’s Process: Jill shared her meticulous process of researching and crafting her novels. She uses tools like Scrivener to create detailed character profiles and often spends significant time researching biblical texts to enrich her narratives.

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Meet KyLee Woodley: From Preschool Teacher to Debut Novelist and Co-Host of the Historical Bookworm Show

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.

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Whispers of Fortune with Mary Connealy: A Glimpse Behind the Story

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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A Bookchat about Heart of the Glen with Jennifer Deibel

Jennifer Deibel joins us 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!

About the author:

Jennifer Deibel  is the bestselling and award-winning author of A Dance in Donegal, The Lady of Galway Manor and The Maid of Ballymacool. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children.

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A Bookchat about Into the Sunset with Mary Connealy 

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! 

About the Author

Mary writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Continue reading “A Bookchat about Into the Sunset with Mary Connealy “