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Connilyn Cossette joins us on the podcast again to talk about her latest release, Splendor of the Land. The book, set at the very beginning of the times of the kings in Israel, is a wonderful read, and we had such a lovely conversation about it. On of my favorite quotes, that is now taped to my computer monitor, is "For those who feel unseen, the One who lit the stars aflame is calling you by name." Wow. So we chat about those who feel unseen and the God who sees us, among many other things. There's even something special in store for patrons.

Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette

"A triumphant story in which flawed characters face real choices and must rely on a real God to save them."--MESU ANDREWS, bestselling and award-winning author

Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.

Get your copy of Splendor of the Land.

More about Connilyn:

When I finally put aside my fears and put that first manuscript out there in the world, to my astonishment, I semi-finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest, won the Frasier Award from My Book Therapy, signed with literary agent Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and within only a few months I'd signed on with my dream house, Bethany House Publishers.

Since my first book was published in 2016 my books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, have won both Christy and Carol Awards and have sold thousands of copies all over the world in several languages.

Above all that God has done with my writing career and regardless of where He may lead me in the future, my passion is to write stories that draw readers into an immersive fictional experience within the rich ancient world of the Bible, to personalize the history found there, and to spark a curiosity that will lead to digging deeper into the truth of the Word.

Thank you for stopping by, I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter and you are welcome to drop me an email at connilyn@connilyncossette.com.

Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter that will bring you exciting updates and opportunities for giveaways and sales!

Visit Connilyn Cossette's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.

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Ann Gabhart joins us on the show this week to talk about her new book, The Pursuit of Elena Bradford. As we discuss this story, we talk about the wealthy people who used to come to Kentucky to "take the waters." We also chat about her love for her farm, walking her dogs, and listening to audio books. Patrons will hear what she might have done if she hadn't become an author.

The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann Gabhart

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.

Get your copy of The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann Gabhart.

Meet Ann Gabhart:

Hi, glad you could stop by to get to know me better. I’m a country girl, born and raised on a farm in the Outer Bluegrass region of Kentucky. I know you’re thinking horse farm, but no, not out my way. Mostly cows on the farms around here. My grandfather did have a big old workhorse when I was a little girl. My family grew tobacco and corn. We had a few milk cows, some hogs and sheep, but mostly beef cattle. I grew up working on the farm and enjoying the woods and animals. My roots go deep in the land, and I now live on a farm just a mile away from the farmhouse where I was raised.

I started writing when I was ten and have been writing ever since. My first published writings (personal experience pieces, youth stories, and poems) were in church periodicals like Home Life. My first novel, A Forbidden Yearning, a historical romance about the settling of Kentucky, was published by Warner Books in 1978. Since then I’ve published forty other novels for adults and young adults. Some of the early titles are out of print now but still floating around out there as used books.

Visit Ann Gabhart's website.

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Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.

Show your appreciation for the show and buy me a coffee. You'll find details by following this link.

Fall is coming, and it's getting to be that time of year when it's great to curl up with a blanket, a cuppa, and a good book. What's better in the autumn than a good Victorian gothic mystery? Not much! Michelle Griep is out with a new novel, Of Silver and Secrets, and it's a great one to add to your TBR. She is such a great interview, and we had a fabulous time chatting about this latest release. There's even something special in store for patrons.

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep

Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . .

In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.

Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires--provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.

"Sure to delight fans of archaeological adventure and historical romance."--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author

Get your copy of Of Silvers and Secrets by Michelle Griep.

Michelle Griep is an award-winning author who pens historical romances like a tea-sipping time traveler—full of heart, rich with adventure, and always with a mischievous glint in her eye. She’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas, and these days crafts stories that transport readers to richly drawn pasts.

Her stories have picked up their fair share of shiny gold stars—including a Christy Award for 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and a Carol Award for The Doctor’s Woman. She’s also landed finalist spots for the INSPY Awards with fan favorites like The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Captive Heart.

She lives in Missouri, where she’s always dreaming up her next story—and often crafting twists that lead her characters to hope, healing, and happily ever after.

You can follow her escapades by signing up for her newsletter or on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Visit Michelle Griep's website.