• Episode 556: A Chat with Sharon Wilharm
    Jun 29 2026

    Three Women. One Unlikely Mission. One Town Forever Changed. If that doesn't grab you, nothing will! Listen in as I chat with Sharon Wilharm about this intriguing book.

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

    Loved our conversation--life in Florida during the late 19th century, authors, books, and movies she reminded me of, and even...

    THE NEXT BOOK! Can't wait to see what publisher snaps that one up! EEEP!

    The Amazing Crab Alley Revival by Sharon Wilharm

    In 1897 Florida, a widowed woman searching for purpose finds herself drawn into an unexpected friendship—and a revival that will transform an entire town.

    The year is 1897 and wealthy widow Lydia Culpepper is evaluating her mundane existence. For sixty-three years, she's faithfully gone through the motions of fulfilling everyone else's expectations for her life, but nothing she does is ever enough. She longs for something more.

    When a young boy comes to her house in search of his missing coon dog, she gets her wish. She meets Emily Reed, a young finishing school instructor, and Opal Jackson, an Irish single mother, and the three women join together on a mission that turns the First Baptist Church on its head.

    Suddenly, the town is in an uproar as lives are being changed. When Yellow Fever hits, it looks like their efforts may have been in vain, but the epidemic isn't enough to thwart the fruits of the Crab Alley Revival.

    Learn more on Sharon's WEBSITE and follow 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
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Episode 555: A Chat with Jil Koller
    Jun 27 2026

    Looking for YA fantasy that gives all the great world-building vibes, fabulous faith, and a nod at forbidden romance? Listen in as Jil Koller and I chat about Heart of a Bowman and see why I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!

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

    Okay, the way Jill built her world, talking and planning, and getting people on board to help figure all the things out? EEEP! That is awesome! I loved the stories she told about writing it, about seeing how things came together--all of it!

    But best of all, LOVED the book. My review of it can be found on GoodReads HERE.

    Heart of a Bowman by Jil Koller

    RISING FROM THE ENDLESS SEA is the Vertical Horizon, a massive rock spire holding four tiers of kingdoms. Four Truth Stones, one for each of the spire's interdependent tierdoms, help maintain a delicate power balance. But when a stone is stolen, the Spire is plunged into war.

    Seventeen-year-old Princess Aratess of Ardenia is destined for the shallow life of the royal court—and an arranged marriage to a selfish prince—but she longs to serve her people in a different way. For years, she's practiced archery in secret, and when the chance arrives, she matches her talents against Colt, an elite King's Bowman.

    Fiercely loyal to the crown, twenty-year-old Colt questions how his mother's people, the Reyjik, could betray the Realm. He also questions the judgment—though not the skills—of the fiery young woman who has inserted herself into his mission. Tess keeps her identity a secret, knowing Colt would forbid his princess from risking her life. Colt, meanwhile, strives to keep a secret of his own: his growing feelings for Tess.

    As Reyjik overrun Costair's capital, Colt and Tess escape skyward to warn the King of Ardenia and mount a counterattack. Desperate, they enlist the help of Deacon, Colt's estranged childhood friend and a lighter-than-aircraft pirate. Will Colt, Tess, Deacon, and a motley crew of pirates prove enough to stave off invasion and turn the tide of war?

    Learn more on Jil's WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads.

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

    • Apple
    • Castbox
    • Google Play
    • Libsyn
    • RSS
    • Spotify
    • Amazon
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Episode 554: A Chat with Gloriaea
    Jun 22 2026

    I really love a good book with broken people finding redemption. So when I got to chat with Gloriaea about her book, Broken Algorithm, I knew this was going to be right up my alley. Listen in and see why I'm so excited.

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

    We chatted about so many things, including the inspiration for the book, her setting--all the things!

    Broken Algorithm by Gloriaea

    All she wanted was a home…

    Brit has moved from one prison to another since she was eight. Now she's free, and nothing will stop her from getting back her family. Nothing…except the people who tore her life apart.

    She didn't need his help. So why was he everywhere?

    Sam finally has his life on track. Working for the Canadian federal police is miles away from his teenage rebellion. Nothing could prepare him for the petite ex-convict with magnetic coffee eyes.

    The clock is ticking for Brit's family reunion and shadowy figures haunt her steps. Will Brit discover the true meaning of home? Or will she lose the family she has sacrificed everything to save?

    Learn more on Gloriaea's WEBSITE and follow 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
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Episode 553: A Chat with Chris Underwood
    Jun 20 2026

    A chilling read from Chris Underwood... literally. What happens if you're in the Midwest in winter and the power goes out? Listen in as I chat with Chris Underwood about his Cold Winter series.

    Content warning: While these books do have characters who are Christians and live their faith, the first book (not sure about the rest) does include a few instances of foul language in the first few chapters. I'm switching from audio to print to finish.

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

    Talking about all the research he did for this series was a blast. I loved hearing about his travels with the crew and the prepper side--everything.

    The Cold Winter Grid-Down Series by Chris Underwood

    The Cold Winter Series begins with a power grid failure at Niagara Falls three days before Christmas, as a snowstorm approaches.

    Welcome to The Cold Winter. It follows a group of families in Central Ohio who want to help stranded motorists who end up on their porch. Even when doing the right thing doesn't work out, they keep on trying. There is a sense of morality and faith as the emergency continues to worsen.

    In the second book, they learn that the power outage is an attack on the nation, and join a civilian minuteman militia to fight back.

    The third book of the series ramps up the action and features the first major battles of the minutemen militia. Since modern machinery cannot be trusted, vintage military equipment is utilized by the militia, such as a Huey Helicopter and a WWII Landing Ship, the LST-325.

    This ship is an actual floating museum on the Ohio River and is used by this militia to go upstream to rescue a VIP and bring him to safety. River locks are liberated from the enemy, and a dramatic battle is staged on Wheeling Island, where the landing ship performs much as it did on D-Day in Normandy: Landing aground with troops and equipment pouring out the front for battle!

    The fourth installment of the series introduces more vintage equipment, including a Cobra Attack Helicopter and a P-47 Thunderbolt, to fight modern naval ships in an effort to liberate the Niagara Falls power station from the enemy.

    Even the WWII Destroyer, USS The Sullivans, in its current engineless state at the Buffalo Naval Museum, is somehow used in the battle! It's an epic showdown of antique airpower against modern naval might!

    Learn more on Chris's WEBSITE and follow 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
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Episode 552: A Chat with Laura Ashwood
    Jun 17 2026

    One of my favorite people, Laura Ashwood has expanded one of her earlier and republished it. Women's fiction lovers should not miss this story! Listen in as we chat about A Life Rewritten.

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

    Laura Ashwood is an eclectic author with books in historical romance, royal romcom, and women's fiction. Don't miss out on her other awesome books as well!

    A Life Rewritten by Laura Ashwood

    Get lost in an absolutely fabulous read, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nancy Thayer.

    One woman's life falls apart in a single night. What she builds in its place will change everything.

    Abby Whitney had it all—or so she thought. A glittering Manhattan life. A powerful husband. A future that seemed secure. But when her husband, Michael Whitney, dies suddenly, Abby discovers the shocking truth: the man she loved was living a double life, and he's left behind a daughter who has no one else in the world.

    Becoming guardian to eight-year-old Cami forces Abby to confront the wreckage of her marriage and the emptiness of her own existence. Trading the scrutiny of New York's high society for the quiet shores of Bluefin Bay, North Carolina, she begins to uncover the strength she never knew she had.

    As Abby attempts to mother a grieving child, she discovers friendship, purpose, and the stirrings of a love that's honest and true. But will she be able to let go of the woman she used to be?

    A heart-stirring novel of betrayal, resilience, and the healing power of love, this is an unforgettable story about finding home where you least expect it—and becoming who you were always meant to be.

    Learn more on Laura's WEBSITE and follow 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
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Episode 551: A Chat wth Kayla E. Green
    Jun 15 2026

    I don't know about you, but the title, The Goodness of Unicorns, grabbed me. That cover? Also amazing! Listen in as Kayla M. Green chats about her writing and just what this goodness of unicorns is all about

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

    Eye color changing? Losing the ability to SEE color? That totally grabbed me. My copy is on my bookshelf waiting for a chance to read it. Yay!

    The Goodness of Unicorns by Kayla E. Green

    One girl determined to heal her sister and another looking for purpose in a nation on the brink of war. And unicorns—with a twist you've never seen before.

    It's Rowan Tritonia's sixteenth Naming Anniversary. Her plans for the day never included a headache that causes her to almost faint on a day meant for celebration. When the world comes back into focus, her brown eyes have changed to magenta. But what scares her more is that everything around her is now black and white coupled with a mysterious ability to see the light and shadows in a person's soul. Then a local cleric implies that Rowan could have the power of Sight, a gift which has only been seen in the stories of unicorns in the Book of Verimor, an ancient text. Rowan is perplexed. Why would Verimor give her something she never asked for instead of answering her greatest prayer to help her younger sister, Blythe?

    News of the girl with Sight quickly travels beyond Rowan's local village. When the King of Wisteria learns of her gift from a letter, he summons her to the castle. With growing political tensions from neighboring nations, Rowan may be able to provide the aid they desperately need. Linnea, the king's sister and his primary advisor, prays that Rowan has truly been blessed by a unicorn and can save the nation and its people from encroaching darkness.

    Meanwhile, back at home, Blythe, sets out on her own journey. She feels helpless, tied down by the pain that keeps her homebound most of the time. Although she wears a smile to comfort those around her—especially her family—Blythe wonders if her life will ever amount to anything more than fading into the background. Is she truly too broken for any greater purpose, or can Verimor still use her?

    Don't forget to check out Kayla's Metamorphosis blog tour HERE.

    Learn more on Kayla's WEBSITE and follow 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
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Episode 550: A Chat with Joan Lovestrand Farley
    Jun 13 2026

    High school is hard enough without trying to navigate all the ups and downs without your mother. Listen in as I talk with Joan Lovestrand Farley about Letters to Cassie, what you'll find inside, and why she wrote it.

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

    I love the idea of a mother being so proactive as to write letters of encouragement and guidance when she realized she wouldn't be there to offer it in person.

    My copy is at my house now, and I can't wait to get started on it.

    Letters to Cassie by Joan Lovestrand Farley

    Cassie always imagined her high school graduation would be a moment of celebration, surrounded by her family. But when her mother passes away from cancer just before her senior year, that dream shatters, and her future feels empty.

    Grief consumes her, and the path ahead seems impossible without her mom's steady guidance. Who am I? What are my strengths? What will I do with my life? Why does it all feel so meaningless? Even the smallest decisions feel overwhelming without her mom by her side-until her dad reveals something extraordinary: nine letters her mom wrote, each with a special task for her senior year.

    These letters become a lifeline, not just a series of challenges but a journey of healing, self-discovery, and faith. With each letter, Cassie is led closer to understanding her purpose and finding her identity as "God's girl," uncovering the depth of God's love for her.

    Follow Cassie on this emotional and empowering journey, and discover how these letters might inspire your own personal growth, one challenge at a time.

    Learn more on Joan's WEBSITE or her other WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads.

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

    • Apple
    • Castbox
    • Google Play
    • Libsyn
    • RSS
    • Spotify
    • Amazon
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Episode 549: A Chat with Laura DeNooyer
    Jun 8 2026

    I've been anxious to read this one since the moment I saw it. I mean, come on! Secrets are always cool but then Frank L. Baum? And The Pilgrim's Progress? WHAT? Listen in as Laura DeNooyer and I chat about A Hundred Magical Reasons.

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

    The L. Frank Baum connection was a draw, but then she brought in The Pilgrim's Progress, and it took the whole story idea to a new level!

    I had a blast chatting with Laura and I'm excited to read this one. It'll probably be my flight read tomorrow. EEEP!

    A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

    Some fairy tales don't end when the story is over…they begin when the truth is finally told.

    At eighty-eight, Charlotte Rose Gordon has spent a lifetime guarding secrets—burdens that have turned her into the town's most notorious recluse. But before her story ends, she has one final quest: to set the past right and clear her husband's name.

    Even if it means facing the dragons she's spent decades avoiding.

    Carrie Kruisselbrink is fighting dragons of her own. Fresh out of college and desperate to escape the weight of her parents' expectations, she risks everything to chase a dream that feels just out of reach.

    An unlikely job with the reclusive Mrs. Gordon seems like a temporary solution.
    Until it becomes something much more.

    As Charlotte begins to unravel her past—from a stifling childhood to an extraordinary friendship with author L. Frank Baum—Carrie is drawn into a story filled with imagination, loss, and long-buried truth.

    But the deeper Carrie digs, the more she's forced to confront her own fears, her own choices…
    and the cost of living someone else's life.

    Because some stories were never meant to stay hidden.

    Spanning generations and woven with echoes of a beloved literary legacy, A Hundred Magical Reasons is a moving tale of courage, identity, and the kind of hope that only comes when truth, grace, and imagination collide.

    Can two women from different generations find the strength to rewrite their stories—before time runs out?

    Step into a story of secrets, second chances, and the courage to believe again.

    Learn more on Laura's WEBSITE and follow 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
    • YouTube
    • and more!
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins