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The Christian Romance Podcast

The Christian Romance Podcast

By: Kelly Jo Wilson
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 Welcome to the Christian Romance Podcast, where we go behind the books with inspiring Christian romance authors, exploring faith, love, and the journey that brings the story to life. Art Christianity Literary History & Criticism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Interview with Carole Lehr Johnson, Marguerite Gray & Carrie Turansky: Faith, Romance, and Literary Legends in A Very English Christmas

    Interview with Carole Lehr Johnson, Marguerite Gray & Carrie Turansky: Faith, Romance, and Literary Legends in A Very English Christmas
    Dec 23 2025
    In this heartwarming holiday episode, Kelly chats with three beloved Christian romance authors about their collaborative novella collection, A Very English Christmas. Each author shares the inspiration behind their story—woven with romance, faith, and a touch of literary magic from iconic authors Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. Carrie brings us into the Victorian era with a tale of love, perseverance, and trust in God, all while Charles Dickens pens A Christmas Carol. Marguerite transports us to Edwardian England with a story of class divides, hidden secrets, and a heroine inspired by Beatrix Potter’s trailblazing spirit. And Carole’s Regency-era novella paints a beautiful friendship between her heroine Violet and Jane Austen herself, exploring the burdens of family and the gentle nudges of divine guidance. This episode is filled with meaningful faith themes, romantic tension, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into crafting timeless historical love stories. Whether you’re a fan of dual timelines, literary legends, or faith-filled storytelling, this conversation will warm your heart. Listen to the episode here. Meet Carole Lehr Johnson Carole Lehr Johnson is an award-winning author of eight books which are inspired by her love of tea and scones, castles and cottages, and all things British. Her nine trips to the UK over the years have led her to immerse her writing in the United Kingdom. Connect with Carole on social media and her website at CaroleLehrJohnson.com Meet Marguerite Gray Marguerite Martin Gray is an award-winning author of a dozen novels and novellas. She enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she also teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her young and up to date. Connect with Marguerite at her website MargueriteMartinGray.com Meet Carrie Turansky Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church. Carrie loves to connect with reading friends on social media and through her website: Carrieturansky.com Bible Verses for Encouragement You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.— Psalm 23:5 NKJV This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience…— 1 Timothy 1:18–19 NKJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.— Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV The New Book: A Very English Christmas Celebrate the season with three timeless tales inspired by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. When Emma Grace Langley retreats to her grandmother’s antique shop in the snowy Cotswolds after heartbreak and job loss, she hopes to find clarity. Instead, she finds a collection of heirlooms—a portrait, a rare book, and a charming figurine—that unlock stories from the past. As each tale unfolds, Emma is drawn into the lives of three remarkable women whose lives were touched by England’s greatest storytellers. In A Portrait of Faith, devoted daughter, Violet Walford, longs for a life beyond duty to her family. When she is asked to paint insightful Regency-era author, Jane Austen, their unexpected friendship inspires Violet to pursue life and love with new courage. In A Victorian Christmas Tale, Clara Reynolds struggles against physical challenges and family expectations while falling in love with John, a writer with ties to Charles Dickens. Their work at the London Foundling Hospital brings healing, hope, and a Christmas transformation that would make Scrooge proud. And in A Tale of the Season, Edwardian heiress Arabella Graham escapes to the Lake District and meets a charming country veterinarian—and author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. With gentle wisdom and the peace of a country Christmas, Arabella discovers the joy of finding her own path. Blending romance, inspiration, and literary nostalgia, A Very English Christmas is the perfect holiday escape for fans of historical fiction and classic English authors. 💞 Tropes in A Very English Christmas Friends to Lovers (...
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    40 mins
  • Interview with Melody Carlson: A Christmas Carol with a Twist of Grace

    Interview with Melody Carlson: A Christmas Carol with a Twist of Grace
    Dec 19 2025
    Kelly chats with beloved author Melody Carlson about her heartwarming and deeply personal Christmas novella, Once Upon a Christmas Carol. What starts as a lighthearted holiday romance takes on deeper meaning as Melody shares the story’s uncanny parallels to her real life—including the grief of her first Christmas as a widow and the unexpected gift of a new “bonus daughter.” Set against the snowy charm of Michigan farmland, this novella is packed with holiday warmth, romance, and a powerful message of grace. Melody opens up about the book’s serendipitous themes, her favorite Christmas traditions, and how God’s timing is always perfect, even in fiction. Listen to the episode here. Meet Melody Carlson Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. Suttle Tea Shop (Author Kit Tosello’s fabulous tea shop) Follow Melody FacebookInstagram Bible Verse for Encouragement “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”– John 3:16 (NKJV) Melody Carlson’s New Book: Once Upon a Christmas Carol What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn’t helped!    So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas–by herself–bah humbug! But bad weather and God’s radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt’s farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas–one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit. Melody Carlson’s Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes. 💞 Tropes in Once Upon a Christmas Carol Christmas romanceGrumpy sunshine (Carol is Bahama-buggy!)Found familySurprise snowstormSmall town charmMistaken identity (thinks he’s her cousin!)Forced proximity / snowed inEnemies to moreChef heroBig city girl meets charming country lifeGrace and second chances Get your copy today! Amazon Baker Book House Get updates on our book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you! Finding Forevermore is available today! Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything. Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth. Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself. As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper. Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace. Get your copy For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out. You’ll get updates by joining my free email list. Visit my website here to sign up Follow me for updates InstagramYouTubeTikTok
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    46 mins
  • Interview with Christen Krumm: Writing Reverse Grumpy Sunshine & Cozy Christmas Romance on Jonathan Island

    Interview with Christen Krumm: Writing Reverse Grumpy Sunshine & Cozy Christmas Romance on Jonathan Island
    Dec 17 2025
    Kelly chats with author Christen Krumm, whose latest Christmas romance Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage is full of charm, warmth, and heart. Christen shares how her writing journey took her from YA dystopian to sweet holiday rom-coms, why she loves reverse grumpy sunshine dynamics, and the magic behind Susan May Warren’s collaborative Jonathan Island world. With relatable characters, snowy small-town vibes, and the deeper message of trust and hope, this episode is a cozy must-listen for readers who adore faith-filled romance and second chances. Listen to the episode here. Meet Christen Krumm Christen Krumm lives with her real-life superhero husband and three barefoot wildings in small-town Arkansas. Coffee is the lifeblood, books are her happy place, and creating stories is her favorite. Find her online at christenkrumm.com Visit ChristenKrumm.com Follow Christen InstagramPinterestAmazon Bible Verse for Encouragement Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding;In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths.” Christen Krumm’s New Book: Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage “If you enjoy a clean read with close proximity, Christmas vibes, the characters watching Christmas movies, and the characters being bookish, Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage is a must read.” Reviewer—Goodreads She just wants a nice, quiet holiday getaway. Too bad her new—and way too handsome—accidental roommate comes with an annoying dose of holiday cheer. Successful, but writer’s blocked author Bronte Parker just needs some holiday peace and quiet to jumpstart her brutal writer’s block. Hence her rental at a quaint cottage on quiet and remote Jonathon Island. So what’s the deal with the double booking? And worse…the sudden Santa can’t leave—not with a record breaking blizzard overtaking the island. Suddenly her world is all about eggnog, Christmas movies and decking the halls with all type of distractions. He’s a soldier who needs a merry Christmas… After two years away, Army surgeon Jonah White is thrilled to be going home for the holidays. Too bad his parents have escaped the island for a tropical Christmas cruise, renting out their place—his home!—to a seriously uptight author. And thanks to a blizzard, he can’t even escape. But when he discovers the author has writer’s block, well, the doctor is in. He’ll help her fix it by showing her a real Christmas—something foster kid Bronte has never had. And maybe it’s working because as surprise Santa sweeps her up in the magical Jonathon Island Christmas festivities, a new story starts to come alive inside…one where maybe a happily-ever-after could actually exist. But is this just a holiday romance? And what happens when the blizzard ends, the air clears, and duty calls. Is the magic over? Enjoy this enchanting Jonathon Island Christmas story about being snowed in with an unexpected hero…and taking a chance on the happy ending you never saw coming. The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren. 💞 Tropes in Meet Me at the Christmas Cottage Reverse Grumpy Sunshine (she’s the grump, he’s the sunshine!)Snowed-In TogetherFound FamilySmall Town RomanceForced ProximityHoliday RomanceBig Family, Only BrotherHealing Through LoveChristmas TraditionsFoster Care Backstory Get your copy today! Amazon Sunrise Publishing Get updates on our book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you! Finding Forevermore is available today! Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything. Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth. Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself. As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper. Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace. Get your copy For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out. You’ll get updates by joining my free email list. Visit my website here to sign up Follow me for updates InstagramYouTubeTikTok
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    33 mins
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