Podcast for fiction readers and history lovers
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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.
Continue reading “Episode 118 To Kiss a Knight: A Regency Romp with Grace Hitchcock”
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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.
KyLee 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.
Family 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.
Dana’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.
Dana’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?
Of 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
The audio version of this review was first shared in Episode 66:A Bookchat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot & a Review of Remember Me by Tracie Peterson
From the Yukon to Seattle, the hope of a new beginning waits just around the corner.
Addie Bryant is haunted by her past of heartbreak and betrayal. After her beau, Isaac Hanson, left the Yukon, she made a vow to wait for him. When she’s sold to a brothel owner after the death of her father, Addie manages to escape with the hope that she can forever hide her past and the belief that she will never have the future she’s always dreamed of.
Years later, Addie has found peace in her new life as a photographer, training Camera Girls to operate and sell the Brownie camera. During the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo in Seattle, Addie is reunited with Isaac, but after the path her life has taken, she’s afraid to expose the ugliness of her former life and to move toward the future they had pledged to each other.
When her past catches up with her, Addie must decide whether to run or to stay and face her wounds in order to embrace her life, her future, and her hope in God.
The audio version of this review was first shared in Episode 65: A Bookchat about The Metropolitan Affair with Jocelyn Green & a Review of Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer.
Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the west, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters—and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.
After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from females and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.
Continue reading “Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer”
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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.
The audio version of this review was first shared in Episode 48: A Bookchat about The Blackout Bookclub with Amy Lynn Green & a Review of Come Down Somewhere by Jennifer L. Wright
Sixteen-year-old Olive Alexander has lived on a ranch in the Jornada del Muerto region of southern New Mexico her entire life. But when World War II begins, the government seizes her family’s land for the construction of a new, top secret Army post.
Continue reading “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!
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.
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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.
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Misty M. Beller joins us for a chat about marketing, writing, fall family traditions, and her latest release A Daughter’s Courage. 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 history of the man who made apples an American thing–the man best known as Johnny Appleseed. (Full post here.)
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!” (Full review here.)
Connect with Misty: Website, Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, and Instagram.
The audio version of this review was first shared in A Bookchat about Beneath the Bending Skies with Jane Kirkpatrick & a Review of The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel
In 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air.
When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.
Continue reading “The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel “