LiteraryScape cover art

LiteraryScape

LiteraryScape

By: Melissa LaShure
Listen for free

About this listen

The LiteraryScape podcast serves both readers and writers of historical Christian romance with a sprinkling of contemporary Christian suspense books. We read, discuss, review, and rate books in this unique romance sub-genre. For authors, we bring inside tips and tricks from those who have gone before us. LiteraryScape is the one stop shop for both readers and authors to connect, learn, and grow together.

 Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • From Wedding Tragedy to Redemption: A Conversation with Tracie Peterson About Designed with Love

    From Wedding Tragedy to Redemption: A Conversation with Tracie Peterson About Designed with Love
    Jun 27 2025
    When author Tracie Peterson opens her latest novel with a gunfight at a wedding, you know you're in for something different from the typical historical romance. In our recent LiteraryScape podcast interview, Peterson shared the compelling story behind Designed with Love, the second book in her Hope of Cheyenne series, and gave us a glimpse into the heart of her storytelling craft.A Shocking BeginningDesigned with Love doesn't ease readers into the story—it plunges them headfirst into drama. Set in the late 1880s, the novel opens in Texas at what should be a joyful wedding. Emma Johnson, our spirited protagonist, is about to marry Tommy Benton when tragedy strikes. A young woman bursts in, kills Emma's fiancé, and accidentally shoots Emma in the process before taking her own life."It's not typical to have a gunfight at a wedding opening your book," Peterson acknowledges, "but it was necessary for my characters."This traumatic event becomes the catalyst for Emma's spiritual journey. Lying in a hospital bed, terrified of dying, Emma—who once told her mother she didn't want to be a Christian because "they didn't have fun"—finally opens her heart to faith through the loving intervention of her stepmother.Characters That Capture HeartsWhile Emma's transformation from fun-loving rebel to woman of faith forms the emotional core of the story, Peterson reveals that one of her favorite characters is Rosie, the sister of Tommy's older brother Colton. Rosie has learning disabilities and has been hidden away by her family, told she's incapable of learning anything."Rosie has no filters," Peterson explains with obvious affection. "She just says things that the rest of us would filter... sometimes I wish I could perform without filters. I think we all have those moments."Emma becomes Rosie's advocate and teacher, helping her discover abilities no one believed she possessed. "She starts learning how to sew and then she wants to cook and then she wants to ride a horse and then she sees a piano and wants to learn," Peterson shares. "It's everything at once."This character was inspired by Peterson's own family member who was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck and told doctors not to bother trying to teach them. "She's kind of a culmination of the spirit of, 'I'm gonna get this done. You watch me' that I find in my family."The Art of ForgivenessThroughout our conversation, Peterson emphasized one of the central themes woven through all her novels: forgiveness. "Forgiving is always a key issue in my books because I've had to be forgiven a lot and I've had to forgive a lot," she reflects. "I think everybody has. And I think it's something that universally we can all relate to."This theme proves especially relevant as Emma navigates her new life in Cheyenne, Wyoming, supported by Colton, who has loved her from afar but never spoke up while she was engaged to his brother.Rich Historical DetailsPeterson's research into 1880s Cheyenne brings authentic historical texture to the story. She consulted with members of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association about ranching and spoke with railroad experts about the Union Pacific's expansion through the territory. The novel incorporates real historical elements, including the construction of Cheyenne's beautiful red sandstone depot during this pivotal period when Wyoming was achieving statehood."Cheyenne is just a fascinating place. Wyoming has a lot of really neat occurrences," Peterson notes, explaining how she draws from both the early formation period of the late 1860s in her Heart of Cheyenne series and the later development era of the 1880s-90s in the Hope of Cheyenne books.What's NextReaders won't have to wait long to continue the journey—all three books in the Hope of Cheyenne series are releasing in 2025, with A Constant Love having debuted in March and Designed with Love arriving in July.Peterson is already working on her next series, set in 1870s Minneapolis, which will follow three generations of women united by their heart for helping the homeless, displaced, and orphaned. "It's going to be a generational story," she explains, spanning from grandmother to granddaughter across the three books, all scheduled for release in 2026.Connect with Tracie PetersonReaders can find Peterson at tracypeterson.com, where they can sign up for her newsletter and send messages. She's also active on Facebook as Author Tracie Peterson and can be reached through Bethany House Publishers.Designed with Love promises to be a perfect summer read—a story that combines historical authenticity, compelling characters, and timeless themes of redemption and second chances. Sometimes the most beautiful love stories begin in the most unexpected ways, even with a gunfight at a wedding.Designed with Love releases in July 2025 as part of the Hope of Cheyenne series from Bethany House Publishers.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Behind the Scenes with Tracie Peterson: Second Chances and Montana's Hidden Gems

    Behind the Scenes with Tracie Peterson: Second Chances and Montana's Hidden Gems
    Jun 20 2025
    AnnouncementsThe LiteraryScape Book Club is here! You can now become a member for just $7 a month or $70 for the year. Just head on over to www.literaryscape.com and click on Book Club in the menu to join.Our next Coffee and Books event will be on Tuesday June 24th from 2:00-3:00pm EST. Join authors Lynn Shannon, Crystal Caudill, and myself for an hour of book talk! Be sure to sign-up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to receive a link to join in.I am thrilled to announce the cover reveal and pre-order launch for my brand-new Wild West romance that's going to capture your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat.Introducing Uncharted Trials book two of the Bounty Brothers series—a gripping tale where murder, faith, and forbidden love collide in the untamed American West.Picture this: Dr. James McPherson, a bounty hunter with a healer's heart, never expected his latest patient would steal his soul. But when he meets Madeline Flynn—a fierce protector of her deaf brother and survivor of unspeakable tragedy—everything changes. As James tends to her wounds, he vows to shield her from the murderer stalking her family.But here's where it gets intense, listeners. As their attraction deepens, dark secrets from both their pasts threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. When their pasts violently collide and Madeline is torn from James's grasp, both must trust in God's plan to find their way back to each other.With a killer's shadow looming and their faith tested to its limits, Madeline and James face an impossible choice: Is love worth the risk? And is God's grace enough to overcome the demons that haunt them?This is more than just a romance, friends. This is a heart-pounding tale of faith, healing, sacrifice, and second chances set against the backdrop of the untamed American frontier. It is a story that will have you questioning whether faith and love can truly outrun the shadows of the past—or if the killer hunting Madeline will destroy their chance at happiness forever.Uncharted Trials is now available for pre-order at www.literaryscape.com/shop only.Head over to www.literaryscape.com to secure your copy today and be among the first to experience this unforgettable journey of love, faith, and redemption in the Wild West.That's all for today's announcement, but we'll be back with more incredible books and authors. Until then, keep reading, keep believing, and remember—the best stories are the ones that touch both your heart and your soul.Episode Notes:Behind the Scenes with Tracie Peterson: Second Chances and Montana's Hidden GemsWe had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with bestselling author Tracie Peterson to discuss her latest collaboration with Kimberly Woodhouse, An Unexpected Grace, the third book in the captivating Jewels of Kalispell series. What unfolded was a conversation filled with insights about faith, second chances, and the magic that happens when authors bring history to life.A Series Born from Montana's BeautyThe Jewels of Kalispell series holds a special place in Peterson's heart, and for good reason. Each book in the trilogy centers around a specific historical building in Kalispell, Montana, near Glacier National Park. An Unexpected Grace features the Macintosh Opera House, a fascinating piece of local history that came alive through Peterson and Woodhouse's research."We chose the Kalispell area because it's so gorgeous up there," Peterson explained. "You've got the Glacier National Park and just beautiful, beautiful lakes and mountains, and we thought that would be a lot of fun."What makes this collaboration even more special is the serendipitous timing—for the first time in their writing partnership, Peterson and Woodhouse lived just two miles apart in Montana, allowing them to plot and plan together in person.Characters Wrestling with God's CallingAn Unexpected Grace tells the story of two people who fell in love in their youth but were separated when their individual callings seemed to pull them in different directions. Now, years later, they're given a second chance at love—but not without wrestling with questions that many of us face.Our hero begins the story having thought he was called to be a pastor, only to feel God directing him toward acting—a profession looked down upon by many Christians in the early 1900s. "Here's a young man who loves the Lord and felt that he could use his acting career to spread the gospel and to speak to people who might not otherwise hear it," Peterson shared.Meanwhile, Johanna, now widowed with a child, creates elaborate hats (perfect for the fashion-forward early 1900s) while caring for her injured father and questioning her own path forward.Themes That Resonate TodayWhat struck us most about our conversation with Peterson was how deeply personal these themes are for her—and likely for many readers. The question of whether we're following God's calling, and what happens when that calling seems to change...
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • From Texas to the Pacific Northwest: Elizabeth Goddard Brings Storm-Watching Suspense to Hidden Bay

    From Texas to the Pacific Northwest: Elizabeth Goddard Brings Storm-Watching Suspense to Hidden Bay
    Jun 6 2025
    AnnouncementsThe LiteraryScape Book Club is here! You can now become a member for just $7 a month or $70 for the year. Just head on over to www.literaryscape.com and click on Book Club in the menu to join.So what exactly is the LiteraryScape Book Club? It's an exclusive community where readers who appreciate passionate-but-pure Christian romance can come together in a more intimate setting.When you join the Book Club, you'll receive:First, exclusive online author events where we can chat directly about books, writing, and all things historical and contemporary suspense romance. I'm talking Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process, and special guest appearances from other authors in these genresSecond, free ebooks of ALL my new releases. That's right—as a member, you'll automatically receive an ebook copy of every new novel I publish, delivered straight to your inbox.Third, early access to signed paperbacks and merchandise before they're available to the general public. You'll be first in line for signed copies, special editions, and any bookish merchandise we create.Fourth, regular door prize drawings exclusively for members. Throughout the year, we'll be giving away signed books, exclusive merchandise, and other special surprises.And finally, a community of readers who appreciate the same kind of stories you do—a place where we can discuss the books we love.So come join us in the LiteraryScape Book Club today!In other news. . .Our next Coffee and Books event will be on Tuesday June 24th from 2:00-3:00pm EST. Join authors Lynn Shannon, Crystal Caudill, and myself for an hour of book talk! Be sure to sign-up for this free event at www.literaryscape.com/events to receive a link to join in.The Kickstarter campaign for my novel, Uncharted Trials, is complete. Thank you to everyone who purchased a limited-edition cover. Your purchase helps cover publication costs. Stay tuned as Uncharted Trials releases this month, which means a cover reveal is coming soon along with pre-orders!And now, let's dive into today's bonus episode, where we'll be talking with author Elizabeth Goddard.Episode NotesWelcome to another Friday Literacy Book Club podcast recap! This week, host Melissa LaShure sat down with author Elizabeth Goddard to discuss her captivating Hidden Bay series and the upcoming release of book two, "Perilous Tides," hitting shelves in July 2025.A Writer's Journey: From Dream to RealityElizabeth Goddard's path to publication is a testament to persistence and passion. Like many of our featured authors, her story began with a simple love of reading that eventually blossomed into a writing career. "I was just an avid reader growing up and it was just always in the back of my mind to pursue writing," Goddard shared.Her journey officially began in 2001 when she joined ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), submitting a chapter a week to critique groups and attending conferences for five years before landing her first book deal. Her debut novel was published in 2007 with Heart Song Presents, followed by a successful run with Love Inspired Suspense, and now with Ravel, the publisher of her current Hidden Bay series.What makes Goddard's story particularly inspiring is how she balanced her writing dreams with raising children and homeschooling—a reminder that pursuing our passions often requires sacrifice and dedication from the whole family.The Hidden Bay Series: Where Gothic Romance Meets Pacific Northwest BeautySet on the rugged Washington coast along the Olympic Peninsula, the Hidden Bay series centers around Cedar Trails Lodge—a storm-watching lodge where guests come to witness the spectacular winter storms crashing against the rocky cliffs. Goddard describes the setting as having "rocky, cold, rough waters, crashing waves" that create the perfect backdrop for suspense.The series follows different characters who come to the lodge to hide from their pasts, facilitated by the mysterious Evelyn Monroe, a character who has grown increasingly important throughout the series. As Goddard explains, "I have all these different characters come in that have come to the lodge to hide... and then danger finds them there."The inspiration for this atmospheric setting comes from Goddard's love of classic gothic romances by authors like Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. "The image of a mansion on top of a cliff overlooking these crashing waves is just kind of in my mind," she said, and she's modeled the lodge after the real Claylock Lodge on the West Coast.Perilous Tides: A Forensic Artist's Deadly EncounterBook two, Perilous Tides, follows forensic artist Joe Cattrall, who has been hiding at the lodge after her mother's murder in Michigan. When she receives a cryptic message from the father she never knew, Joe leaves her safe haven to search for him. Her journey takes a deadly turn when she witnesses a murder on a ferry crossing Puget Sound, leading to an attempt on her own life.The story ...
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins

What listeners say about LiteraryScape

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.