Episodes

  • Episode 484: A Chat with Taylor S Newport
    Nov 1 2025

    The one-year anniversary for book one of the Dauntless Defenders is TODAY! Listen in to my chat with Taylor S. Newport and learn all about the series and the latest in it, No Time to Die.

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    The Dauntless Defenders series novels do not stand alone. Be sure to read the first book first.

    By the time we got done talking about these books, I was ready to forget the book I NEEDED to work on and just read for a few days. Can you blame me?

    No Time to Die by Taylor S Newport

    The enemy believes the battle is nearly over, but he's just getting started.

    Sector 17 has tried to silence the Ghost of Oz, but he doesn't back down. Back on the hunt, Tyler Reid uncovers chilling truths that challenge everything he knows about his enemy and the woman who works for them. Caught between protecting a Russian heiress and the job she has to do, Tyler starts to question who he can rely on.

    Alexandra "Alex" Romanova has been told who she is, but fragmented memories hint at a past she's reluctant to reclaim—a past far darker than what she remembers. When Tyler offers her a chance to escape her cruel boss at Sector 17, the plight of young recruits being turned into killers weighs heavily on her conscience. She's determined to give them the same freedom she's found, but doesn't realize that in doing so she has put them all at risk.

    As the head of Sector 17 clings to power, Tyler and Alex are caught in the middle of a deadly war for lives, freedom, and revenge. With enemies closing in on all sides, they can't save everyone. The stakes are higher than ever—there is no time to die.

    Don't miss book three on January 23, 2026.

    Learn more about Taylor on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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    30 mins
  • Episode 483: A Chat with Sarah Loudin Thomas
    Oct 31 2025

    When I looked at the cover of These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I couldn't help but think of the cover from the early editions of Anne of Green Gables. Listen in to see what Sarah has to say about that.

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    We talked about so much that I have a hard time remembering everything, but I loved hearing about how Sarah writes the stories that inspired previous books and her next one, too.

    Inspired by the book, The German Invasion of Western North Carolina by Jacqueline Burgin Painter

    These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas

    A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

    German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda is stunned to see Fritz's name in a photograph of an American memorial for German seamen who died near Asheville, North Carolina. Determined to reclaim his body and bring closure to his ailing mother, Hedda travels to the US. Her quest takes a shocking turn when, rather than Fritz's body, his casket contains the remains of a woman who died under mysterious circumstances.

    Local deputy Garland Jones thought he'd left that dark chapter behind when he helped bury Fritz Meyer's coffin. The unexpected arrival of Hedda, a long-suffering yet captivating woman, forces him to confront how much of the truth he really knows. As they work together to uncover the identity of the woman in the casket and to unravel Fritz's fate, Hedda and Garland grow closer. But with Hedda in the US on borrowed time while Hitler rises to power in Germany, she fears she'll be forced to return home before she can put the ghosts of her past to rest.

    Learn more about Sarah on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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    40 mins
  • Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d'Entremont
    Oct 27 2025

    When Lara d'Entremont began describing her YA portal fantasy, The Painted Fairytale, I knew this would be right up my alley. Listen in and see how art becomes the portal to other worlds!

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    Portal fantasy is my favorite, so I was crazy excited to learn about this one--especially the art tie-in. I can't wait to dive in myself.

    We chatted about her characters, the world, and the faith that connects them.

    The Painted Fairytale by Lara d'Entremont

    Seventeen-year-old Wren Devine refuses to share her art with anyone-other than her parents and her sister (who died three years prior). But when her mother submits her artwork to a mentorship program, and she gets accepted, Wren is forced to display her artwork for the eccentric Professor Hayes. Despite her fears, Wren hopes this mentorship will finally make her as worthy as her sister.

    But this mentorship is about more than painting.

    Wren soon learns that she has a magical ability to turn her paintings into portals to travel not only to other places but also to another world entirely. An eerie children's book in the professor's classroom reveals a wicked pirate with a vengeance who has her eye on Stefan Branson, a former student of Professor Hayes.

    As all four of these lives intersect, it becomes apparent that everyone has a secret--some more deadly than others. The longer these secrets brew, the more deadly and heavy they become, and possibly lead to never seeing her former, earthly realm again. Wren must not only learn to release the shadow of her beloved sister but step boldly into her own world.

    Learn more about Lara on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.or on Subtack.

    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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    47 mins
  • Episode 481: A Chat with Patricia Bradley
    Oct 25 2025

    Oh, boy! Patricia Bradley is at it again! When you hear the lengths this author goes through to get things right, you can see why she's so beloved. Listen in for a chat about On the Edge of Trust!

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    Okay, so maybe Patricia didn't ask a ranger where a good place to hide a body is this time, but she sure did have a lot of fun research stories to tell.

    This Logan Point novel will keep you on your toes. I can't wait to get started.

    On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley

    Sometimes the closer you get to justice, the deadlier it becomes

    When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

    Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

    Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

    Learn more about Patricia and her books at PTBradley.com and PatriciaBradleyBooks.com! Don't forget to follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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    36 mins
  • Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
    Oct 20 2025

    A chat with Tracie Peterson is always a treat, and this was no exception. Listen in as we talk about A Moment to Love, the last in the Hope of Cheyenne series.

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    I've been loving what Tracie is doing in this Cheyene series, but something about this book really hit home. I think the themes of revenge for heinous crimes and the indignity of our work being stolen are things we relate to whether it's the 19th or the 21st century.

    Also, don't miss out on her Christmas novella collection with Karen Witemeyer and Misty M. Beller, On a Midnight Clear.

    A Moment to Love by Tracie Peterson

    A shared heart for justice pulls them together, but is their love strong enough to survive their trials?

    Dr. Carrie Vogel's heart is shattered when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. With years of diligent work lost, she grapples with the disastrous turn of her career and leans on her faith for strength. When she learns that her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But merely pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes increasingly difficult the more time she spends with him.

    Spencer is determined to apprehend the ruthless murderer who killed his father years ago, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions--both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life. As the web of suspects tightens, their futures hang in the balance, and they must learn to trust God's plan as unexpected love takes flight.

    Return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with bestselling author Tracie Peterson for a journey of healing and forgiveness in this exquisite western frontier romance that will appeal to readers of faith-filled stories and When Calls the Heart.

    Don't forget that you can get this and her other books at 30-40% off with FREE US shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com

    Learn more about Tracie Peterson on her WEBSITE. Follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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    36 mins
  • Episode 479: A Chat with Connilyn Cossette
    Oct 18 2025

    From a master of Biblical Fiction, Connilyn Cossette is back with a new book set in the time of Saul and David. Listen in to learn more about The King's Men series.

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    I loved chatting with Connilyn about this series. One thing that struck me was that the time period--I'd never thought about how things that happened in the Bible happened during historical "ages" like the Iron Age. Whoa.

    This series really gives new perspective on the time and culture surrounding the time of Saul and David. That's the richest part of good Biblical fiction--giving you insight into how they probably lived.

    Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette

    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.

    Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice. This Iron Age story will appeal to readers of biblical fiction, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

    Splendor of the Land is still 30% off with FREE US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com.

    Don't forget to get your novella on her WEBSITE (and sign up for her newsletter!) You can also find Connilyn Cossette on BookBub and GoodReads, and don't forget Connilyn's Bibliophiles on Facebook.

    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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    30 mins
  • Episode 478: A Chat with Julie Klassen
    Oct 17 2025

    There's something extra special about historical romance at Christmastime, so chatting with Julie Klassen about A Sea View Christmas was guaranteed to be a fun time. Listen in to hear about Julie's latest novel.

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    Julie shared about research, the series, and how Christmas looked in Regency times.

    A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen

    The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . .

    With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year's Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland--and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall--blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.

    Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year's dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?

    Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds.

    Learn more about Julie on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

    Don't miss the Regency Facebook Group HERE!

    A Sea View Christmas is available at 30% off with FREE US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com

    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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    37 mins
  • Episode 477: A Chat with Kate Angelo
    Oct 13 2025

    Kate Angelo is one of the best "new" authors out there. I LOVE her suspense (and so did my mom!) But The King Legacy takes this to a new level. Listen in and see why I'm crazy excited for this series.

    note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

    The King Legacy deals with a guy who runs a gym where law enforcement officers workout in the same place as at-risk kids. Wouldn't a place like that be a game changer in cities all over the country???

    Girl Lost by Kate Angelo

    A LOST BABY
    Luna Rosati found acceptance and comfort with her childhood foster family, but when she became pregnant at sixteen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has--the teenage daughter she's never met. As Luna closes in on learning the girl's identity with the help of her mentor, Stryker, she prepares to meet him in her old neighborhood--the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured.   

    AN INESCAPABLE PAST
    Special Agent Corbin King changed his last name to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together to expose a secret that someone's willing to kill for.

    A DEADLY THREAT
    But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake.

    "Kate Angelo skillfully unveils the savagery of greed under the pretense of good."--DIANN MILLS, bestselling writer

    "An exciting story that will capture readers' emotions while also taking them on a pulse-pounding, suspenseful roller coaster ride they won't soon forget."--NANCY MEHL, author of the Erin Delaney Mysteries

    To learn more about Kate Angelo, visit her on her WEBSITE. You can also find her on BookBub and GoodReads.

    Don't forget you can get the book at 30% off and FREE US shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com

    Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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    52 mins