Episode 21: Guest Joanna Davidson Politano & a Review of The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery

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.

Episode 20: Guest Liz Tolzma & a Bookworm Review of A Deep Divide

Join WW2 novelist and podcast host Liz Tolzma as she talks about her latest release A Picture of Hope, book two in the Heroines of WWII Series. Liz is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk–a weekly podcast featuring author chats, industry news, and discussions of what you’re reading.

On our Pinch of the Past we look at part 1 of Historical Foods We Enjoy Today. Do you enjoy Jello and sandwiches? Not together, of course! Well, here is a little history about the two. Would you believe one of these dishes first became popular in the US because of a gambling addiction?

If you’re in the mood for a sweet romantic suspense with an unforgettable storyline, then you don’t want to miss A Deep Divide  (Secrets of the Canyon Book #1) by Kimberly Woodhouse.

Read our full Bookworm Review of  A Deep Divide by Kimberly Woodhouse

Join our newsletter and be automatically entered to win Christian historical fiction books.

Episode 19: Guest Patricia Raybon & A Review of The Lines Between Us

Patricia Raybon is a former Sunday Magazine editor at The Denver Post, a former associate professor of journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries and the DaySpring (in)courage blog. Join us for a chat with her about her debut novel  All that is Secret book 1 of the Annalee Spain Mystery series.

In this segment of the Pinch of the Past, we talk about the history of Chess, Backgammon, and Go. Most of the games that have survived for centuries involve intense strategy and lots of abstract thinking. I’m not sure what exactly that indicates–maybe they were born of long winters of boredom. Or maybe people just enjoy a chance to outsmart their friends.

If you enjoy historical fiction based on a different aspect of World War II with notes of mystery, moral questions, and superb characterization, add The Lines Between Us by Amy Lynn Green to your fall reading list. Read the review here.

Links:

Connect with Patricia on her  website  Goodreads Twitter & Instagram

Link to GoodReads review

Link for Roseanna White’s Book The Number of Love

Giveaway! The Kindred Series by Lori Benton

I am so pleased to share this amazing giveaway with you. We always host a giveaway for our faithful newsletter subscribers (join here if you haven’t already 🙂 ), but Lori insisted both books be given not only to the subscribers but also be offered as a separate giveaway. Thank you, Lori, for your giving heart!

And, what a joy it was to speak with Lori! I was so blessed and amazed when working on editing episode 18 that I picked out this quote from Lori.

 
“I would like to invite readers to continue with Ian and Shauna and the new characters that they’ll meet in Shiloh and just taking the full picture of restoration that, that this entire story presents God is not through with these characters, just like he isn’t finished with us.”

If you haven’t had the chance to listen to Lori’s interview, please take this opportunity. It’s Episode 18: Guest Lori Benton & a Review of Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden.

Enter the GIVEAWAY here!

The winner will be notified within 1 week of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Episode 18: Guest Lori Benton & a Review of Carved in Stone

Join guest Lori Benton for a chat about her latest release Shiloh Book 2 of the Kindred Series. Giveaway Link here!

We look at quotes from Jane Austin, Mark Twain, and Fredrick Douglas on our Pinch of the Past. Full article here.

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 to be read pile! Full review here.

 

Episode 17: Guest Amy Green & a Review of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque

Join us for a chat with author and speaker Amy Green as she shares about writing her latest WWII novel, The Lines Between Us.

On a Pinch of the Past we look back a few thousand years to the beginning of makeup as we know it. From ancient Egypt to Regency Era England, and to turn of the century America, you’ll enjoy these tidbits of history surrounding cosmetics.

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 by Todd M. Johnson will have you searching for ways to prove the truth alongside the barrister. 

Episode 16: Guest Jody Hedlund & a Review of In A Far Off Land

Jody is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. She shares about her new time travel novel Come Back to Me, her love of cats, and the fun of writing. Learn more about her at her website JodyHedlund.com/ and her ReaderRoom Facebook group.

We share prolific hymn writers in our Pinch of the Past. A look at the reformer Martin Luther, the “The Godfather of English Hymnody” Isaac Watts, and blind teacher and lobbyist Fanny Crosby.

Bookworm Review: If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.

We are giving away a copy of Come Back to Me.

Giveaway began on August 15, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 27, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.


Episode 15: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Book Review of Faith’s Mountain Home

Join us for an interview with Ann H. Gabhart. Her first historical novel was published 1978 by Warner Books. Since then, she has published over thirty novels, including her latest Along a Storied Trail.

Pinch of the Past … A look at the significance of teacher apples, the first public school in America, and quotes be historical teachers that may surprise you. 

Bookworm ReviewFaith’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.

Episode 14: Guest Lisa T. Bergren & a Review of The Ice Swan

Interview: Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books with a combined three million+ books sold. Join us as she chats about her second edition Begotten book 1 of The Gifted Series.

On today’s Pinch of the Past eighteenth century coinage we are looking a the British coins, The Piece of Eight, techniques of theft. Money and currency are such an intricate part of everyday life. I hope this peek at the currency of years past has made the people who walked in the 1700s seem a little more human than before. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the Townsends YouTube channel.

Review: If you’re looking for a sweet, clean read with two very different characters who learn to adapt to an ever changing world then The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski is for you.

Episode 13: Guest Stephanie Landsem & Review of Chasing Shadows

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 at another wonderful fairy tale–Rapunzel. From ancient Persia, to Italy, and then Germany this iconic fairytale is far from Disney’s Tangles, but oh the fun of history. You don’t want to miss this one.

Bookworm Review: If you’re in the mood for a deep, captivating, and educating story with themes of love, forgiveness, and restoration–and a wonderful WWII story–you won’t want to miss Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin.