Episode 543: A Chat with Stephanie Cardel episode artwork

EPISODE · May 19, 2026 · 36 MIN

Episode 543: A Chat with Stephanie Cardel

from The Because Fiction Podcast · host Chautona Havig

I love it when YA deals with real issues kids face, so I was crazy excited to hear about Stephanie Cardel's This Isn't Shakespeare. From what direction her life should go to peer pressure of various kinds, Cardel weaves a story that I feel is important. Listen in and learn why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  This Isn't Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel To be or not to be…a professional dancer. Seventeen-year-old Madison is a hopeless romantic who loves quoting Shakespeare and dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer—a dream she hides, afraid of disappointing her mom and her boyfriend. But when her dreams fall apart, she believes it's a sign from God that she should commit to her boyfriend and make a new dream. When she realizes God wouldn't give her a sign that points her to sin, the happily-ever-after she's planned crumbles. Now Madison must confront the lies she's told herself and all the red flags she's ignored. In the process, she begins to understand that seeking God's will may not lead to a perfectly scripted ending—but it might just lead to something real.  Learn more on Stephanie'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 and more!

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Episode 543: A Chat with Stephanie Cardel

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This episode was published on May 19, 2026.

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I love it when YA deals with real issues kids face, so I was crazy excited to hear about Stephanie Cardel's This Isn't Shakespeare. From what direction her life should go to peer pressure of various kinds, Cardel weaves a story that I feel is...

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