The Because Fiction Podcast

Episode 472: A Chat with Shelley Shepard Gray

 It may seem weird, but my favorite way to read Amish fiction is with mystery or suspense added. I think I like the juxtaposition of the "simple, quiet" life and the upheaval. Listen in to my chat with Shelley Shepard Gray about her newest book, Unshaken. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. There are so many questions about the Amish, their ways of life, and their differences from us and from each other. We talked about the differences between people, sure, but we also looked at how the Amish look for the ways people are similar to them etc. Of course, we also talked about the Rumors in Ross County series and how her newest book connects.  Unshaken  by Shelley Shepard Gray He helps her hide until danger has passed. She hopes her cover lasts long enough. When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn't find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman. Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev--which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate--and there's no telling what lengths he will go. You can learn more about Shelley on her WEBSITE.  Don't forget to follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. AND!!!  Don't miss her Buggy Bunch group on Facebook, too!  Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Episode 471: A Chat with Heather Wood

I absolutely judge books by their covers, and as one of the top covers I've seen all year, Sowing Hope doesn't disappoint. Listen in to learn how Heather Wood weaves parts of history many don't know much about into amazing stories! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I love that Heather writes about skilled Irish artisans before the potato famine.  She also shared about how she wrote to show how slavery was getting worse, how she deals with an actual martyr, and about the Underground Railroad. Sowing Hope by Heather Wood Encounter the True Story of Abolitionist Editor Elijah Lovejoy Patrick Gallagher has done all he can—and it hasn’t been enough. Now in his mid-thirties, he battles discouragement over his inability to make a difference in eradicating slavery. Longing to regain the hope and passion that once fueled his calling, Patrick sets out from his home in Maryland to meet his hero, Elijah Lovejoy, an anti-slavery editor in Missouri. Anna Markland actively serves her community and those traveling on the Underground Railroad. But her efforts feel small when she is constantly beset by headaches that leave her prostrate for days on end. When the enigmatic Mr. Gallagher enters her life, she discovers their hearts beat with the same dreams. Yet Anna knows that if she allowed him to pursue her, her weakness would hinder him from reaching his potential as an abolitionist leader. In the free states along his path, Patrick discovers that the Black and abolitionist communities are anything but free. Violent mobs, hateful rhetoric, and spineless politicians create a tinderbox of danger. What will he sacrifice for the cause he’s devoted his life to—and will God finally use him to make the difference he longs to see in society? Don't miss the first interview with Heather HERE. Learn more about Heather on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Episode 470: A Chat with JPC Allen

Riddles? Hidden treasure? Secrets?  Sounds like things are causing chills in Marlin County! Listen in to see what fearsome things Rae Riley will face in JPC Allen's latest mystery! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I just love Allen's world in Marlin County, Ohio, and seeing her back with this new book is the highlight of my autumn. I mean, how much more Octobery can you get than a book with "Riddle" and "lonesome October" in it?  Anne Shirley (if she'd been a mystery buff, anyway) would totally approve. A Riddle in the Lonesome October by JPC Allen How do you survive a season of fear? October is a hard month for Rae Riley's family. Her dad, Sheriff Walter "Mal" Malinowski lost his wife and father then. He also has to manage the trouble Halloween brings to rural Marlin County, Ohio. But this year, Rae's uncle fights for his life after a riding accident, and a family feud over a lost inheritance erupts at a local Halloween attraction. As Rae tries to support her family, she and her cousin Amber work to unravel the 70-year-old riddle that will reveal the location of the inheritance so their great aunt Lily and her kids can gain a fortune. And Rae must deal with the secretive behavior of the deputy she’s fallen for. When a bogus medium conducts a séance to contact Cyrus Morley, the man who devised the riddle, the results stun everyone, and the aftermath is even more shocking. There's only one way to survive a season of so much fear--and only one way to unmask a killer.  Learn more about JPC Allen on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Episode 469: A Chat with Niki Florica

 If you loved Jill Williamson's Blood of Kings series, you're in for a treat.  Jill, working with Sunrise Publishing, has new authors publishing in her world, and I got to chat with one!  Listen in to see why I'm really excited about Niki Florica's book in this series (and why I love her cover the best!). note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Niki and I had a great time chatting about fantasy, the world of the Blood of Kings, how she became a part of the Sunrise family, and more! Heir of Light by Niki Florica Sir Rigil Barak came to Land’s End expecting a routine mission: investigate some rumors, spy on some nobles, and above all, play the perfect knight. Instead, he is reunited with his less-than-shining past--the same past that has kept him on the road for years, fleeing his noble father's scorn and grieving the woman he thought dead. Until now. Because in Land's End, he sees a face he never thought he’d see again . . . at least, not outside his dreams. And if she's alive, he'll do anything for a second chance to save her. Years of captivity to a madman left Sethe with a face full of scars and one rule: never be trapped again. Except, to keep that rule, she'll have to ask for help from Rigil, the thief who broke her heart and abandoned her long ago. Now, years later, he shows up to rescue her from Land’s End like a knight in shining armor? Who does he think he is? And even if the boy from her past has become a real knight with real honor, can she fall for a man who lied to her? Maybe that doesn't matter now, because Sethe’s old captor is hot on her heels with a new invention that could turn her into something worse than a prisoner. He could turn her into a weapon. Fortunately, Rigil and Sethe always did know how to pull off a heist--and if they can steal the enemy’s deadly new weapon, they can save the kingdom. For Sethe, this means trusting Rigil without letting him anywhere near her heart. For Rigil, it means a second chance with the woman whose heart he once broke. And this time, failure could cost them everything. Dive into this swashbuckling story of second chances, forbidden love, espionage and epic adventure in this fourth book in the Blood of Kings: Legends series. Blood of Kings: Legends Book 1: Squire of Truth Book 2: Lord of Winter Book 3: Lady of Shadows Book 4: Heir of Light Learn more about  Niki on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. And don't forget her YouTube channel. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Episode 468: A Chat with Ann H. Gabhart

 I had a fascinating chat with Ann Gabhart recently. She's always full of wonderful stories about Kentucky, and this was no exception. Listen in to learn what about her story... is true! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Hearing about the hot springs and the girl who danced for one night made me wish I had a Tardis. Wouldn't you love to go back in time and follow her so you could find out what happened? The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann H. 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. Learn more about Ann on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!