Between the Lines podcast artwork

PODCAST · fiction

Between the Lines

Join me as I interview authors of contemporary Christian fiction. Hear about their writing journeys, inspiration, tips and tricks. It's not as easy as you might think.

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  1. 94

    Writing Split-Time Fiction & Honoring Family History with Jennifer E. Tirrell

    What if a forgotten letter in your attic held the key to a 500-year-old family mystery? In this episode of Between the Lines, we sit down with award-winning author Jennifer E. Tirrell to discuss her highly anticipated debut split-time novel, Jane's Secret. Jennifer opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind the book—sharing how her late grandmother sparked this sweeping tale of faith, family lineage, and hidden secrets. Plus, Jennifer gives us a sneak peek into her creative journey and what lies ahead for her next writing chapter. Whether you are an aspiring author or a lover of historical mystery, this heartwarming conversation will inspire you to look closer at your own family roots.  You can connect with Jennifer on her website. Jane's Secret is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle.

  2. 93

    Inside Ribbons of Guilt with Laura Thomas

    In this episode of Between the Lines, host Jennifer Sienes welcomes author Laura Thomas to discuss her upcoming novel, Ribbons of Guilt, the highly anticipated third book in the Bite of Betrayal Series. Laura shares the inspiration behind this compelling romance novel and offers insight into the emotional journey of a married couple facing challenges that test their commitment, trust, and love. What begins as a conversation about fiction quickly evolves into a thoughtful discussion about real-life marriage, the effort required to build lasting relationships, and the importance of grace, forgiveness, and communication. Whether you're a fan of romance novels, relationship-centered stories, or enjoy hearing the creative process behind great books, this episode offers an engaging look at both the story and the deeper themes that inspired it. Ribbons of Guilt is available for preorder now and releases on July 5. Preorder the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ribbons-Guilt-Betrayal-Laura-Thomas/dp/195395717X/ Connect with Laura on her website Tune in for an inspiring conversation about love, marriage, second chances, and the stories that connect us all.  

  3. 92

    Laura DeNooyer on The Broken Weathervane

    Author Laura DeNooyer joins me for an illuminating episode of Between the Lines of Christian Fiction. In this episode, I sit down with her to explore the creative journey behind her latest novel, The Broken Weathervane. Laura shares how an initial spark from her father's family history inspired the premise, evolving into a completely fictional tale spanning two distinct eras.  We dive into the novel's vibrant 2015 university setting, exploring the professional and personal friction between a modern grants officer and an elite professor. We also unpack how this modern academic narrative connects to a hidden 1950s diary, exploring themes of family loyalty, historical mental health care, and the ultimate cost of truth. Tune in for an inspiring look at how faith, history, and academic ambition collide. Laura's novel is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited. Connect with Laura on her website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter.

  4. 91

    Hollywood Comebacks & Broken Trust with Whitman's Choice Author John Price

    Can faith survive the Hollywood spotlight? In this episode of Between the Lines, we sit down with author John Price to discuss his compelling novel, Whitman's Choice . The story follows a former child star family pushed to compromise their Christian values for a modern sitcom revival. John pulls back the curtain on the entertainment industry, breaking down how 1980s sitcom remakes have abandoned their original, family-friendly roots. We also dive into his perspective on how television parental guidelines and rating systems have evolved over the years, leaving modern families to navigate a much trickier cultural landscape. Whether you love media history or want an honest look at the ethics of modern entertainment, this conversation is for you! Connect with our guest: Visit his official website: John Price Books Grab your copy of the book: Amazon

  5. 90

    Writing Through the Chaos: A Conversation with Emily Ann on "Messy" Drafts and WWI Romance

    How do you find the focus to write a sweeping historical romance when you're in the thick of homeschooling toddlers and preparing for a new baby? In today's episode, we sit down with  Emily Ann, author of the poignant WWI novel When I Stand. Emily takes us behind the scenes of her "messy" writing style, explaining why she embraces a less-than-perfect first draft to get the story on the page. We dive into the inspiration behind When I Stand, a story that blends the grit of the Great War with a powerful romance, and discuss the real-world discipline it takes to be a "mom-preneur." In this episode, we discuss: The "Messy" Draft Philosophy: Why Emily doesn't wait for perfection and how she tackles the editing process later. Writing in the Margins: Emily's secrets to finding time for her craft while homeschooling two children. Balancing Act: Preparing for a third child while maintaining a consistent writing schedule. Researching WWI: What drew her to this specific era and how she weaves historical accuracy with emotional romance. The Power of Story: Why she believes historical fiction is a vital tool for exploring faith and resilience.

  6. 89

    God-Led Storytelling with Demi Griffin

    In this episode, I sit down with multi-award-winning author D.M. (Demi) Griffin to discuss her upcoming release, Blaze of Honor, launching May 12th. Demi shares her unconventional but highly effective "series-first" writing strategy—where she completes every book in a series before releasing the first one to ensure a cohesive, God-led narrative. We dive into: The "Series-First" Philosophy: Why Demi finishes the entire journey before readers see page one. Faith in Fiction: How she lets her work be guided by the Spirit to reach the hearts of her readers. Writing for a Legacy: The inspiration behind her multi-genre work, from Biblical fiction to Christian fantasy. Connect with D.M. Griffin: Book: Pre-order or buy Blaze of Honor at Amazon. Newsletter: Stay updated via the Devoted Steps Substack. New subscribers will be entered for a bi-monthly giveaway for Blind Date with a Book bookmail and swag. Website: Explore more of her work at DevotedSteps.com.  

  7. 88

    Turning Ministry Trials into Hope-Filled Fiction

    What happens when the "perfect" Christian family faces a storm they can't control? In this episode, I sit down with debut author and pastor's wife Deena Adams to discuss her new contemporary Christian novel, Stronger than the Storm Deena opens up about the inspiration behind the book—the personal heartaches she and her husband navigated with their own prodical child.   We also pull back the curtain on the business of being an author. Deena shares her methodical approach to building a platform from the ground up and her deep-seated passion for "paying it forward" by promoting other authors on her own Hope-Filled Fiction blog and podcast interviews.   🚨 LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Listeners can grab the eBook of Stronger than the Storm at a special promotional price! Preorder on Amazon by April 26th to save $1 off the regular price. The book officially releases in eBook on April 27th and paperback on April 28th, 2026.   In this episode, you'll hear: The real-life ministry struggles that inspired the story of Beth Holbrook. Deena's step-by-step strategy for building a writing platform and an engaged community. Why promoting other authors is a core part of her mission in the Christian fiction world. Connect with Deena Adams Website: DeenaAdams.com Social Media: Follow Deena on Instagram and Facebook.

  8. 87

    Keeper of My Heart: Faith, Frontier Love & Trusting God's Plan with Heidi Gray McGill

    Author Heidi Gray McGill says writing is a ministry for her—a hands-on craftsperson more than an evangelist. She finds unintrusive ways to weave God through her stories and characters. Connect with Heidi on her website, sign up for her newsletter (and receive a free book), and follow her writing journey. Keeper of my Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel 6 of 6 in Discerning God's Best Series She's never met a man who could keep up. He's never met a challenge he couldn't solve. But when love and faith collide, will either of them surrender their hearts? Cecelia Grace Trexler Shankel has never met her match. Raised on the rugged frontier, she rides harder, shoots straighter, and knows the land better than most men. At eighteen, she's expected to marry, but no suitor has ever been her equal—and she refuses to settle for less. Independent to a fault and fiercely intelligent, Cecelia has no patience for anyone who can't keep up with her. Then James "Jimmy" Reeves arrives. A brilliant but socially awkward pharmacist, Jimmy Reeves has spent his life mastering medicine, not people. After earning his medical degree in Philadelphia, he pursues further studies at the new school of pharmacy in South Carolina, refining his knowledge of formulas and precision-based healing. But instead of returning to a life of privilege, he heads west, determined to learn the practical side of medicine—where science meets survival. His plan is simple: study natural remedies, assist his friend Thomas Shankel's clinic, and return with newfound expertise. What he never expects is Cecelia Shankel—a woman as wild and untamed as the land itself, challenging everything he thought he knew about strength, skill, and survival. Their first meeting is a clash of worlds—her bold confidence against his quiet precision. She thinks he's too stiff and bookish; he finds her exasperatingly unpredictable. But when a sudden smallpox outbreak threatens the town, they are forced to work together, testing their skills, patience, and faith. As sparks fly and respect grows, Cecelia finds herself drawn to a man who challenges her not with strength, but with knowledge. And Jimmy discovers that some things—like love and faith—can't be measured in scientific terms. But Cecelia isn't ready to let any man keep her heart. And Jimmy isn't sure he's brave enough to try. In a world where independence is survival, can two opposites surrender to God's best plan for their lives?

  9. 86

    Behind the Story: Crafting YA Christian Fantasy with Rachel Trautmiller

    Rachel Trautmiller is not only a published author, but she is also a graphic artist who loves to help others achieve their creative dreams. Her debut YA fantasy novel, The Fracture Within, is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle versions. In need of a graphic artist to help create a book cover, website banner, or logo? Rachel can do that, too. You can connect with her on her website, Inflection Studios. For a sneak peek at The Fracture Within, here is the back cover copy: Charlotte Wyatt's life is perfect. She's a freshman in college on a soccer scholarship, surrounded by close friends she's known since kindergarten, and supported by a family whose faith runs deep. Her world is soccer and art, fun and friends. Until a freak accident changes everything. When a bus slams into her, Charlotte doesn't wake up at the pearly gates or in a hospital bed broken and paralyzed. She wakes up alive and unharmed, but different, and with no memory of the crash. Now she sees things no one else can. The people around her appear fractured—part the way they've always been, part strange and unexplainable. And the visions are only growing stronger. Has she gone crazy? Or is there something seriously wrong with her mind? Charlotte must navigate a terrifying new reality. But how? And what does it mean? Perfect for fans of YA Christian fiction and supernatural suspense, this gripping novel weaves together faith, friendship, and the search for meaning.

  10. 85

    Christian Romance for the Waiting Heart with April Kidwell

    Christian romance author April Kidwell's tagline is Christian Romance for the Waiting Heart. She weaves her own life experiences into stories filled with hope and love for those who have felt forgotten. Her holiday novella, A Love for All Seasons, is available on Amazon in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. A Love for All Seasons back cover copy: Claire Forsythe hates weddings, but when her dad's adventure excursion business needs a boost, she haltingly agrees to take the plunge. Not into marriage, but into the frills and lace of leading weddings in the wilds of Central Oregon. She'll do just about anything to keep experiencing the natural beauty of the outdoors. Tucker Grady loves photography and romance. When he is offered a part-time gig as a wedding photographer for High Country Excursions, he is tempted. And the icing on the cake? Convincing the quiet, cynical Claire Forsythe that life provides many opportunities to smile. Claire struggles with a chronic condition that threatens her love for the outdoors. Tucker combats disappointment by capturing images that showcase God's creation. Together they seek a path that will lead them closer to their One true love.

  11. 84

    Finding Faith in the Hardest Moments with Dianna L. Lanser / Even In This

    Dianna Lanser is a Christian fiction author who says every story begins with a journey, and for her, sharing that journey is twice the joy. Her tagline is Transformational Christian Fiction, which means you won't be left untouched by the stories God puts on her heart. Her debut novel, Even This, is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback. She is also a Guideposts author included in the anthology Strengthened by His Touch. This is also available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle Unlimited. Connect with Dianna on her website, where you can sign up for her newsletter (and receive a gift), learn more about her books, and follow her writing journey. Here is the back cover copy of Even in This: Sixteen going on seventeen, Miah Brennan stands on the riverbank of her future, awaiting permission to jump in. With a recording contract pending and a young Native American man winking at her; it seems as if God is parting the waters and waving her through. Her parents, however, prefer to keep her tucked away as if they were still living on their secluded, drought-dry cattle station in the Australian Outback. Weeks before the September 11 attacks, just when her dreams are on a sure track to coming true, evil stalks Miah with a vicious plan of its own, destroying her hope and her future. While scripture tells her to forgive, her heart wants to forget. But how in the cruel, aching world can she move forward when her life has collapsed into a heap of rubble? How could God possibly work this out for good? And will she and her boyfriend remain steadfast in their faith and love as they face the shocking challenges ahead? Based on James 1:2, "Consider it all joy," Even In This is a chilling yet poignant love story that encourages the reader to lean into the ugliness and pain of life, whisper thanks to God, and trust He will transform it into something beautiful.

  12. 83

    Revealing God in Story with Kerri Tracht

    Kerri Tracht writes stories that reveal the hand of God in everyday circumstances. Her professional writing journey is just beginning with her self-published debut novel, The Road Home. She says that the characters who have lived in her head for years are thrilled to escape as they find their way into readers' lives. You can connect with Kerri on her website at KerriTracht.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter and see what's next in her writing journey. Her novel is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited. The Long Road Home BCC: After decades of silence, DeAnna Taylor receives a call that changes everything. Her estranged father, Alex—a Vietnam veteran battling early Alzheimer's—has one final request: to recreate the cross-country family road trip they took in 1991, before their family fractured. Struggling with her failing marriage, a fledgling bakery business, and still grieving her mother's recent death, the last thing DeAnna needs is to confront the ghosts of her past. But something compels her to say yes. Alongside her ambitious older brother and kind-hearted younger sister, DeAnna embarks on a journey from North Carolina to Washington State in the cramped quarters of an SUV. Each mile marker uncovers buried memories—some filled with laughter and wonder, others scarred by abandonment and misunderstanding. As interstate highways unfold before them, so too does the complicated truth of their family's brokenness. With her father's memory fading faster than the landscapes outside their window, DeAnna finds herself not only seeking reconciliation with her family, but also with the faith she abandoned years ago. Under the vast American sky, three siblings and their ailing father navigate more than just highways; they traverse the territories of hurt, hope, and spiritual renewal. As unexpected encounters and quiet moments on the road begin to soften DeAnna's hardened heart, she rediscovers the God she thought had forgotten her. Sometimes finding your way forward means first traveling back—back to where wounds began, where love was lost, and where the long road home reveals itself to be a path of redemption and restored faith that was there all along. The Long Road Home is a poignant and deeply moving novel about the complexities of family, the courage it takes to forgive, and the powerful truth that the road to redemption is often the one that leads you back to where you started. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Nicholas Sparks, and Catherine Ryan Hyde.

  13. 82

    Bringing Stories to Life with Mishael Austin Witty

    Mishael Austin Witty is a wife, mother, and a lover of Jesus and coffee. Not only is she an author, but she is also an editor, ghostwriter, and discipleship coach with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Search for Jesus program. Her works of fiction present "real" people with real problems. Through these novels, she seeks to demonstrate how the power of God and His word is sufficient to help us deal with every hardship we face. There is always hope in Jesus. You can connect with Mishael on her website, mawittty.com where you can explore her other writing ventures. At this time, she is offering a free copy of A Valentine to Remember Anthology 2026. Just click here to grab yours. Her latest novel, Fireman's Lesson in Love, is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, as well as Kindle Unlimited. Here is the back cover copy to give you a taste: Audrey Morland hoped her move to Chokeberry Falls and her new job as high school English teacher would bury the past and birth a fresh start. But a chance encounter with firefighter Max Winters, who is instantly smitten, turns her world upside down. When her father's fireworks shop burns down under suspicious circumstances, further tensions arise. Max's investigation points to Audrey's favorite student. With an arsonist on the loose and danger escalating, can Audrey and Max uncover the truth and save their relationship before it all goes up in flames?

  14. 81

    Emma Faye, the Clean Read Queen

    Emma Faye, the Clean Reads Queen, is an award-winning audiobook narrator passionate about bringing stories to life. With over 100 audiobooks recorded in her professional home studio and 20 years of acting experience, she excels at diving deep into characters and bringing each to life. Specializing in Clean Reads, her favorite genres are YA fantasy, middle-grade fiction, clean/sweet romances, and wholesome nonfiction. Emma pours her heart into every project, fully immersing her listeners in the world she creates. Though she calls California home, Emma currently resides in Utah. You'll often find her on stage in local theatre productions or snuggling with her six beloved cats when she's not behind the mic. Emma is a proud fantasy/sci-fi nerd who loves cosplaying at comic conventions and Renaissance Faires. She also loves marketing, social media management, and SEO, and teaches narrators how to rock their digital marketing. Check out her website to connect with her and learn more about what she offers.

  15. 80

    Hope and Healing with Author Marbeth Skwarczynski

    Marbeth Skwarczynski is the author of a contemporary Christian fiction series called The Rose Collection. These independently published novels are timely in that they focus on the healing process after spiritual abuse. Plague of Lies is the first book in this revised series and is now available with its new cover and updated writing on Amazon. See below for the back cover copy. Marbeth has also recently released the biblical fiction book Princess of Moab through Elk Lake Publishing—a work that was inspired decades ago.  You can connect with Marbeth on her website and/or follow her on Amazon. Plague of Lies back cover copy: The man who taught him how to live was living a lie. Scott Andrews was content to be a rule-follower, happily attending church and youth group while planning his future with his beautiful girlfriend, Cindy. He and his friends would change the world and be blessed by doing it. But when his mentor is exposed as a fraud, Scott's life turns upside down. He's forced to grow up, but unlike the man who betrayed him, Scott is determined to live honestly. Lauren is a mistake. She's heard it her whole life. But, on her eighteenth birthday, she gets a letter from the father she's never met. It seems out of character. From everything she's heard about her deadbeat dad, he never wanted anything to do with her. Lauren suddenly has a purpose. She will sit down with the man who left her when she was a baby and demand that he tell her why. It's time for the truth to come out.

  16. 79

    Messages of Love and Hope with Children's Author Jewel Sample

    Award-winning author Jewel Sample is a Child and Parenting Specialist who offers messages of hope and love in her children's picture books. Her latest, Love Floats, explores the bond between a mother and her child (in both English and Spanish) and is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers. Her previous picture book, Flying Hugs and Kisses, is a wonderful resource for parents to help their children understand the experience of losing a sibling. You can connect with Jewel on Facebook.  

  17. 78

    A Modern Retelling of the Parables with Author Brady Cook

    Author, pastor, blogger, family man—Brady Cook does it all. Non-fiction books such as Lord Teach Us to Pray, King of Hearts, and Coffee and a Bible to His Parable Series, he has something for anyone who has a desire to dig deeper into the Word of God. The Broker and the Bum is the first book in the Parable Series, a modern retelling of the story of Lazarus. I'll Always Wait (the Prodigal Son), Four Cars, One Road (the Good Samaritan), and Starter Seeds (the Sower). Connect with Brady on his website (coffeeandabible.com), where you can read his daily blog posts and check out his other books, and/or follow him on his Amazon Author Page. The Broker and the Bum Back Cover Copy: Matt is a powerful hedge fund manager in New York City. Liam is a down-on-his-luck homeless man that spends his days watching everyone else pass him by. Their worlds are completely separate, until a tragic event leaves one person's future in shambles, and the other finds the peace that they have sought after for so long. "The Broker and the Bum" is a modern version of Jesus' famous story from Luke 16, complete with all the same themes of the original. It's a story of benevolence, greed, and the perils of ignoring those that God wants us to notice. Check out "Broker and the Bum," the first book in the brand new "Parable Series" from author Brady Cook, and begin to see the world through different eyes.

  18. 77

    Great Adventures and Encouraging Messages with Author V. Romas Burton

    Author Vanessa Burton (pseudonym V. Romas Burton) writes fantasy stories of great adventure with encouraging messages for teens and young adults. Her first series, Heartmaker, (Heartmender, Heartbreaker, and Heartrender), is now available in a boxed set. Her latest series, Legacy Chapter, includes Fortified (Book 1), Justified (Book 2), and Sanctified (Book 3) and is now available for purchase. Book 4, Unified, will be available on January 13, 2026. Connect with Vanessa on her website, sign up for her newsletter, purchase her books through links to various retailers (including Amazon), and stay abreast of her upcoming books. Fortified Back Cover Blurb: Devora's perfect future shatters. Instead of attending VlacklearAcademy, she is sent to the Fortress—a prison holding murderers and thieves that make up the soldiers of His Majesty's Army. She fears it is the end of her. Suppressing her forbidden Seeing abilities, Devora is thrust into the role of soldier and must learn to defend herself while avoiding Warden Hazor and his ruthless right-hand man, Captain Blake. When Devora's Seeing abilities are exposed, she's thrown into a tournament to win her right to live. She must turn to Captain Blake for help or be slaughtered like all the other Seers before her.  

  19. 76

    Truth in Fiction with Author Marbeth Skwarczynski

    After years of writing, rewriting, and shelving her first foray into biblical fiction, Marbeth Skwarczynski finally finished her novel Princess of Moab: A Novel of Ruth. It was contracted through Elk Lake Publishing and is now available on Amazon. This is not Marbeth's debut project. She is a prolific author of several books, including The Rose Collection, a series of contemporary Christian novels that explores the deconstruction of a broken spirit to the reconstruction of a rescued soul. You can follow Marbeth on her website and/or follow her Amazon Author Page. Her Rose Collection includes: The Plague of Lies Twists, Turns & Curves No Longer Invisible Reinvention Wise & Mighty The Art of Persisting    

  20. 75

    Encouragement for Your Soul with Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas is a prolific writer of many Christian genres including romantic suspense, teen fiction, and children's books. Her newest Christian romantic suspense release, The Final Word, is Book 2 in her Bite of Betrayal Series. Laura's previous Flight to Freedom Series includes The Glass Bottom Boat, The Lighthouse Baby, and The Orphan Beach. Her Tears Trilogy for teens includes Tears to Dancing, Tears of a Princess, and Tears, Fears, and Fame.  Not only does Laura pen stories, but she is a Hope certified writing coach, as well. She says, "The perceived glamorous lifestyle of a writer—penning a perfect manuscript while sipping a cappuccino with author friends outside a Parisian café—is both delightful and delusional! In reality, the writer's solitary existence can be fraught with frustration, failure, and fear…" Connect with Laura on her website. There you can check out her books, sign up for her newsletter, read her blog, and find her social media links. And if you desire to learn (or improve in) the craft of writing, you might want to check out her coaching program there as well.   The Final Word BCC: "When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn't anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.   Miles Morgan's life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.   In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles' fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie's past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives."    

  21. 74

    Fusing Faith and Fiction with Heidi Gray McGill

    Heidi Gray McGill is a Selah Award finalist and best-selling author. Whether historical or contemporary, you will find Heidi's writing true works of Christian Fiction, full of God's redeeming love. Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. She believes in bringing a reader into the awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them on a personal level. She does this by crafting characters so relatable you feel part of who they are. Heidi reaches deep into the reader's heart through masterfully written words and offers ways toward healing by seamlessly applying God's Word throughout her stories. Heidi is an optimist who chooses to find the silver lining in life's clouds of doubt. She lives with her husband of more than thirty years near Charlotte, NC. When she isn't writing, you will find her outside playing with her three grandsons, walking, scrapbooking, reading, cooking, traveling, or finding an excuse to have an outing with a girlfriend. Her most recent release, A Place to Belong: Josephine's Story, is a stand-alone Shumard Oak Bend Companion Christmas novella in the Discerning God's Best Series—following Healing of the Heart (Book 5). It was released on November 18th, and for a limited time, the eBook is still available at the preorder price of only .99. Connect with Heidi on her website, receive some wonderful freebies, and follow her latest ventures—or should I say adventures? Need a little nudge to purchase this novella? Here is the back cover copy: Some fresh starts begin in silence… others begin with a baby's cry. Josephine Blake has run out of places to hide. Pregnant and burdened by secrets, she flees the whispers of Philadelphia, clinging to the hope that her former boardinghouse roommate in Shumard Oak Bend will take her in. When a weathered but kind-hearted miner offers her a ride west, she dares to believe she might finally outrun her shame. But hope comes at a price… and Josephine isn't sure she can afford it. Jeremiah Remington lost everything in the war—his family, his home, even one arm. Now a quiet fixture in the growing town, he avoids entanglements, content to live on the edges of community. But when Josephine arrives with wary eyes, an iron will, and a child on the way, Jeremiah is drawn to something he thought he'd given up for good—a second chance at family. As Christmas nears and the town orphanage opens its doors, Josephine is offered a new beginning—not just for herself, but for her daughter. But when the past threatens to unravel it all, she must decide: keep running… or stay and fight for the place—and the man—God may have prepared for her. A marriage of convenience. A scandalous past. A baby who changes everything. And the kind of love only a Savior can give. If your heart longs for stories of quiet redemption, fierce hope, and homes built one act of grace at a time, A Place to Belong will welcome you in. Fans of Misty M. Beller, Liz Tolsma, Karen Witemeyer, and Jody Hedlund will feel right at home in this heartfelt Christmas novella.

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    Author, Lawyer, Inspiration.

    IyanuOluwa Olorode, known to most as Iyanu, is passionate about writing Christian Fiction that portrays the love of God in a broken world. She writes about the Master Fixer who puts back together broken hearts and souls. When she's not writing, she's daydreaming and having conversations with her characters in her head. If she's not doing either of these, then she's listening to music (majorly Contemporary Christian Music), cooking and finding new recipes, reading novels and gushing about them online, watching movies with incredible storylines, scrolling on Instagram and sending funny reels to her reel-ationship partners or listening to the word of God. Iyanu lives in Ogun State, Nigeria, with her Mama Booska, Big Li'l Sis, and a younger brother who is hell-bent on becoming taller than everyone in the house. We discussed her newest Novel Love's Beacon Book 2 in The Way Home Series. You can connect with her on her website, learn about her other projects, and sign up for her newsletter. Here is the back cover copy of Love's Beacon: Goal/Wish List Mini Cooper that I didn't buy with my own money. Check. MSc from London College of Fashion. Check. Become a millionaire, not just because of dad's money. Check. Have at least five thriving businesses. Check. Get married to the love of my life. FUTURE IMPOSSIBLE TENSE! Regina has everything she possibly wants. At least almost everything. Two things elude her. One. Dapo. Dapo is all shades wrong and not hers. He's her sister's man, yet her heart can't stop beating for him. Why? Maybe because he has the other one thing she knows she can never have—a relationship with God. Something she once had but foolishly threw away. Rachel is wife material. Not just any wife material. Pastor's wife material. She's godly, calm, and reserved. She loves the Lord, and she's pretty enough that they'd both look good on a church poster. Dapo's plan to become the youngest youth pastor at Solid Rock Assembly is set in motion and meets an abrupt end when his fiancée marries Brother Bisola instead. Enraged and heartbroken, Dapo finds himself nursing a heartbreak and feelings towards his best friend's baby sister, Regina. Regina is all shades wrong. She's loud, impulsive, has close to zero interest in the things of the Lord, wears skimpy clothes, and is too beautiful for her own good. Despite all the red flags, he can't stop himself from loving her. And three words ring loud and clear: RECIPE FOR DISASTER. Regina believes in fate. Could it be fate bringing them together? Or is there something else, something more powerful intent on weaving something marvellous out of that disaster? Love's Beacon is a Nigerian contemporary loose retelling of the Hosea and Gomer story. https://iyanuoluwaolorode.com.ng/

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    Inspirational Split-Time Stories by Amanda Wen

    I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with author Amanda Wen. It quickly became clear the reason for her tagline, This is My Story, This is My Song. Not only is she a talented writer, but she is also an accomplished cellist and pianist. In her own words, "I write inspirational split-time women's fiction, which is a fancy way of saying I write books with multiple timelines featuring strong, resilient women and a God who loves endlessly, who saves unconditionally, and who creates unfathomable beauty from even our most desolate ashes." Her newest novel, Echoes of a Silent Song, is Book 1 in her Melodies and Memories series. It will be released on October 21st and is now available for preorder. It is currently listed at Baker Book House for $14.40, or you can preorder it on Amazon for $17.99 for the paperback or $9.99 for the ebook. Connect with Amanda via her website to learn more about her other series (Sedwick County Chronicles) and/or sign up for her newsletter and receive the gift of Slow Dancing in the Snow, a short story. Need a little inspiration before delving into this author's most recent work? Here is the back cover blurb of Echoes of a Silent Song: A split-time romance from an award-winning author When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight's goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible. As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day. But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core. With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town's history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology.    

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    Passionate Author Who Brings Ancient Worlds to Life

    Carolyn Jacobs is a passionate historical fiction author with a knack for bringing ancient worlds to life. A self-proclaimed "Bible study junkie," Carolyn's extensive research into the 650-550 BC period infuses her writing with authenticity and depth. Residing near San Antonio, Texas, her experiences living in Bolivia and on the U.S.-Mexico border enrich her storytelling. She balances her writing career with outreach to Muslims and leading Bible studies. Carolyn's unique voice and meticulous attention to historical detail set her work apart in the Christian fiction genre. You can connect with Carolyn on her website, catch up on what's new, and sign up for her newsletter. The Pride of Babylon: Ana Brown's life in Texas is as confining as the corsets she longs to escape. Trapped between her overbearing parents and an unwanted engagement, she flees to an archaeological dig in Babylon. Little does she know the city will unearth more than artifacts; it will excavate the depths of her soul. Joe, a handsome young history professor with a heart for missionary work, becomes an unexpected ally amid the sunbaked ruins. As they delve into the mysteries of Nebuchadnezzar's empire, Joe helps Ana discover a purpose beyond her imagination. But a desperate foe threatens to ruin everything. With her reputation in tatters and her freedom at stake, Ana puts her fledgling faith to the test, trusting God will save her from the Pride of Babylon. Set against the backdrop of 1917 Mesopotamia, The Pride of Babylon is a sweeping tale of romance, faith, and self-discovery that will leave you breathless. Unearth the secrets of the past and the promise of the future in this unforgettable journey from dust to destiny.  

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    The Newest Geopolitical Thriller by Faith Ijiga

     Faith Ijiga is a Nigerian Christian author of geopolitical thrillers. She was a guest of Between the Lines last year when her novel Jungle Justice was released. In this episode, we discussed the challenges she has faced over the last several months, not the least of which is her blindness, and her latest novel. The Silent Protest was inspired by real-life events and is set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, and the United States. It releases on September 23rd and is available for the incredible preorder price of only .99 until this date. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback. The Silent Protest is a story that aims to provoke thought, stir hearts, and inspire change:  One act of defiance. One brutal regime. One man caught in the crossfire. When the Congolese national football team stages a silent protest during the African Cup of Nations, their gesture sparks a firestorm that shakes the Democratic Republic of Congo—and the world. But behind the headlines, a darker truth lurks. CIA operative Ryder "Raven" Jackson is sent deep into the heart of war-torn North Kivu. His mission: uncover the shadowy network of warlords, government officials, and foreign agents fueling the violence tearing the Congo apart. But for a man who stands out, blending in is impossible—and survival is anything but guaranteed.  As M23 rebels launch a wave of terror, government forces silence journalists, and international players manipulate the crisis for their own gain, Ryder finds himself racing against time. With civilians caught in the crossfire and a conspiracy stretching from Kinshasa to Washington, every decision he makes could tip the balance between war and peace. From the back alleys of Goma to the corridors of power in the White House and the United Nations, The Silent Protest is a heart-pounding geopolitical thriller about courage, betrayal, and the high cost of speaking truth to power. In a land where silence is survival, one protest may ignite a revolution.  

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    Inspirational Author Overcoming Challenges

    Ann Harrison is an author, poet, and freelance editor who is totally blind. Aside from editing and writing, she loves to crochet while listening to podcasts or music. You can also find her with her hands in a book, reading on her electronic Braille display. Her debut devotional is entitled Praying Through the Seasons: Seven Aspects of Prayer and Communion with God. It is available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. The paperback edition is in the works.  She also recently self-published a poetry book entitled The Spirit of Creativity: Inspirational Poems for the Creative at Heart. She is currently working on the second book in her devotional series entitled Walking With God Through The Chapters. You can connect with Ann at her website, sign up for her newsletter, and get to know more of her story.

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    Gripping Suspense and Engaging Romance with Author Elle E. Kay

    Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. Since the 2016 release of her debut novel, Shadowing Stella (a gift to her newsletter subscribers), she has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children's literature. Elle's award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state's stunning natural landscapes. She's also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections. Elle writes children's books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail. Connect with her via her website, and sign up for her newsletter to receive your free copy of Shadowing Stella. Back Cover Copy of Project Sentinel, available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and Kindle Unlimited: Under the all-seeing eye of Project Sentinel, the truth is a memory away—and a love she forgot is their only hope. Her memory is gone. But Faith Flanagan is about to learn what she believed about her past was a lie, and the truth could kill her. Two years after the accident that shattered her world, Faith is haunted by unsettling dreams and the growing suspicion that she's not who she thinks she is. When Elijah Knight, a dangerously attractive operative from a life she can't recall, crashes back into her existence, he brings a chilling warning: her husband was murdered. Faith, he claims, holds explosive files Thad entrusted to her—files that could expose a conspiracy wielding Project Sentinel, a terrifyingly advanced AI surveillance system with the power to predict their every move. Now, they're on the run, pursued by relentless enemies who will kill to keep their secrets buried and the files out of Faith's unremembering hands. As fragments of her past resurface, so does an undeniable, complicated passion for the man sworn to protect her. But in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where betrayal lurks around every corner, can Faith unlock the secrets buried in her mind before they become her undoing? And can a love she doesn't remember be the one thing that outsmarts the machine and the rogue officials controlling it? If you enjoy gripping romantic suspense packed with secrets, high-stakes conspiracies powered by chilling AI, and a love fighting to be remembered against all odds, you won't want to miss Project Sentinel.  

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    Dreamer, Doer, and a Dose of Humor with Sarah Ruth Hickner

    Sarah Ruth Hickner is a dreamer and a doer. She's been obsessed with horses her entire life, which has led to some epic highs and really hard falls. Those experiences have been chronicled in short stories, magazine articles, and a memoir titled Finding Gideon.   Now she's blending the lessons she's learned about life and her love of romantic comedy novels for the sweet romance market.   When Sarah isn't at the barn, you can find her at home with her husband, two kids, and coonhound mix.   Her debut novel, All the Things That Come Between Us, is a Christian romantic comedy about marriage, faith, and friendship. It is available in Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback. Visit Sarah's website, sign up for her newsletter, and receive the short story, "Three Horses and a Wedding." To give you a taste of All the Things That Come Between Us, here is the back cover copy: Abby's version of the American Dream is becoming a nightmare. Her baby won't stop crying, the twins bicker, sweet potato has turned to cement on the wall, and Scott? He's more MIA than ever, buried in his phone and always on "work trips." She sacrificed her horse dreams for motherhood and a family, but now, with a post-baby body that refuses to cooperate and a marriage that's slipping through her fingers, Abby is questioning if it was all worth it.  When her suspicions about Scott's "work trips" grow, Abby decides it's time to take matters into her own hands. With her best friend by her side, she hatches a plan to save her marriage. But keeping her vows intact might be more complicated—and dangerous—than she thought. In this hilarious, heartwarming rom-com, Abby will discover that God is in the details, and horses have a way of healing things… or do they break everything in their path?  

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    Passionate, Compelling, and Immersive Storytelling with Emily Ann

    Emily Ann is a historical fiction writer with a passion for bringing the past to life through compelling characters and immersive storytelling. Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, she developed a deep appreciation for history and culture, which inspires her writing. Emily holds a bachelor's degree in education and homeschools her children. She is also an active member of her church community and enjoys gardening, crocheting, and photography. We discussed the inspiration behind her debut novel, Book I in her Valiant Devotion Series, If I Go. Connect with Emily via her website, where you can follow her on Instagram and stay informed about Book II in her Valiant Devotion Series. If I Go back cover copy: Beneath the sprawling limbs of southern oaks, where Spanish moss drapes like lace and the scent of salt lingers in the air, Eleanor Davis and Fred Jackson spend their childhood in the heart of 19th century Charleston, South Carolina. Their friendship is as constant as the tides, as warm as the Southern sun. But as the nation fractures, so does their world. When Fred's family moves North, Eleanor is left behind as whispers of war grow into a deafening roar. Now a young woman seeking purpose, she answers the call of duty as a Confederate nurse. But just as she finds her footing, Fred returns—not as the carefree boy she once knew, but as a Union soldier, shaped by hardship and bound by conviction. Their reunion is a collision of past and present, stirring memories of a bond that once felt unshakable. Yet war leaves little room for sentiment, demanding sacrifice from all who stand in its path. If I Go, Emily Ann's debut novel, is a sweeping tale of devotion, duty, and the enduring pull of home.  

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    Stories with a Touch of the Fantastical by Tabitha Caplinger

    Tabitha Caplinger writes stories with a touch of the fantastical for both young women and women who are young at heart. She admits to getting way too emotionally invested in the lives of fictional characters, whether it's obsessing over a book or TV show, or getting lost in creating her own worlds. Tabitha is the author of The Chronicle of the Three Trilogy, The Wolf Queen, The Wayward, and most recently, The Castle Rose. She is a lover of good stories and helping others live chosen. When she's not writing book words, she's reheating her coffee, binge-watching a new show, or teaching God's Word to young adults. Connect with Tabitha at her website, where you can follow her social media links, sign up for her newsletter, learn more about her books, and engage with her #LiveChosen ministry. Back cover blurb of The Castle Rose: Bastian Roux lived and died a hundred years ago. Kind of. He certainly feels like nothing more than a ghost as he haunts the abandoned Castle Rose Theatre, his only solace found in the notes of his piano. That is until Odette arrives. Odette Durand moved to New Orleans for a fresh start. The coffee-addicted local bookshop manager never expected to be pulled into something supernatural, and she certainly doesn't believe in ghosts. But seeing a man no one else can see and hearing music that shouldn't exist makes a girl question her beliefs–and her sanity. With a mysterious and somewhat charming Southern gentleman thrown in the mix, Odette finds herself entangled in a century-old rivalry bound by a curse. If she's the only one who can see Bastian, is she also the only one who can break whatever is keeping him stuck in the realm between the living and the dead? As Odette and Bastian navigate the shadows of Bastian's past, they must grapple with the ultimate question: Will breaking the curse give Bastian his life back or take it away forever?        

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    Author Malissa Chapin

    Malissa Chapin has a heart for writing stories filled with humor, faith, and truth. She's always been an avid reader and turned that passion into writing. Her Piper Haydn Piano Mystery Series includes Murder Goes Caroling, Murder Goes Solo, and Murder Goes Clamping. When you purchase any of these novels from her website at ShopMalissaChapin.com, you receive as a gift two printable paper dolls designed for the specific story. But her books are also available on Amazon. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter to receive the printable "Reading Challenge Journal for Book Lovers." Malissa is not only gifted with the written word, but she also has other fun and creative crafts for sale geared toward book lovers. T-shirts, mugs, artwork, etc. You will want to take a peek for yourself. During our interview, we highlighted Malissa's novel, The Road Home. It is a dual timeline Women's fiction/redemption novel. Here is the back cover blurb: Hiding from her tainted past. Will unraveling a long-buried deception let the truth set her free? Wisconsin, present day. Audra March's adult life is haunted by a teenage misstep. Taking an assumed name and enjoying simple things, the thirty-something comes upon a vintage recipe box while thrift shopping and hunts down the owner's daughter. So when a longtime adversary threatens her with blackmail, she jumps at the invitation to escape to the dead lady's estate and avoid an old enemy. Kentucky, 1940's. Ida Bealle Horne aches for a baby. Deeply in love with her preacher husband, she despairs that God will never grace her Appalachian home with the laughter of a child. So when a knock at the door comes one stormy night, she thanks the Almighty when a granny shoves a newborn into her arms. Stumbling across a collection of letters, Audra unearths a secret its owner took to the grave and embarks on a path of surprising consequences. And though Ida Bealle can't bear to admit to her now-grown daughter they don't share blood, she feels the burden of the lie crushing her soul. Can Audra's journey bring fulfillment to another and gift her a second chance? The Road Home is the emotional first book in a Christian women's fiction series. If you like conflicted heroines, tales of redemption, and dual-timeline stories, then you'll adore Malissa Chapin's generation-spanning saga.  

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    Author Carolyn Miller

    Prolific author Carolyn Miller writes both regency and contemporary romance with hope, heart, and humor. Although Australian born and bred, her Muskoka Romance series and Northwest Ice Christian Hockey Series are set in Canada. We chatted about life across the pond, new opportunities that await, and where she draws inspiration, as well as her latest novel, Muskoka Miracle. It was released in April and is available on Amazon in ebook and paperback. You can learn more about Carolyn, sign up for her newsletter (for which you'll receive her gift of a book), and follow her newest writing adventure at her website, CarolynMillerAuthor.com. Back Cover Copy of Muskoka Miracle: Sarah Walton might now be living out her dreams with her gorgeous husband and writing and recording music and touring with a globally famous Christian music group, but time spent in Muskoka is a slice of paradise, the perfect escape from that crazy busy world. She has so much to be thankful for... except there's just one thing.  Dan Walton knows he is blessed, but can't stop a niggling desire for something to change. Is it wrong to want more? Or should he just let go of his secret wish--one he can't share with his wife?   When tragedy strikes, the lessons learned in Muskoka several years ago are put to the test again, as the struggle to trust God proves only too real, putting strain on a relationship already tested by busyness and health challenges. Then, when family circumstances lead to a separation on the opposite side of the world, the depth of their love for God and each other forces them to face the fire once more.    God can do miracles anywhere, but there's always been something special about Muskoka...  

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    Hearts Aweigh with Shannon Sue Dunlap

    Laugh-out-loud rom-coms are Shannon Sue Dunlap's specialty. In her words, "Books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love." Her latest novel, Hearts Aweigh, releases on May 20th and is available on Kindle and in paperback. This is book two of her Love Overboard Series.  We discussed the challenge of writing, teaching, and caring for elderly parents as she navigates the gift the Lord put on her heart. Connect with Shannon on her website, Shannonsuedunlap.com where you can get a glimpse of all her books, sign up for her newsletter, and see what's next. Here is the back cover copy of Hearts Aweigh: Cheeky septuagenarian matchmakers, the "Shippers" are on a mission to secure a dreamy Mr. Right for Abby O'Brien, a sunny, optimistic childcare worker for Monarch Cruises. She loves her job looking after the children of vacationing parents, but harbors one unfulfilled desire: to be a wife and a mother. With his shy five-year-old daughter in tow, divorced elitist lawyer Spencer Randolph Masterson has anything but romance in mind. His goal on the MS Buckingham is to persuade his mother, Daisy, to leave her ridiculous cruise ship lifestyle and return to New Orleans. But Daisy isn't interested in life on land. Besides, she and her matchmaking posse have a marriage to arrange. When a secret from Daisy's past surfaces and threats of blackmail start flying, the Shippers must protect their own while attempting to convince Spencer's scarred heart to weigh anchor and boldly set sail for a future with Abby.  

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    Author Heidi Gray McGill

    Author Heidi Gray McGill is a prolific author with works ranging from historical fiction to contemporary romance. Writing is her ministry, and she weaves well-crafted stories with inspiration, encouragement, and the love of Jesus into every novel. Written on My Heart, the fifth installment of Discerning God's Best, is now available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited. You can connect with Heidi via her website, heidigraymcgill.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter (and receive the prequel Deep in My Heart as a gift) and follow her social media platforms. Be sure to check out the many other books she has available and listen to a sample of her audiobook, Desire of My Heart. Here is the back cover copy of Written on My Heart: It's hard to hear God's voice when you've already decided what you want him to say. In the wilds of the rugged West, Betsy Smith discovers beauty in every corner—from the blazing sunsets to the wind murmuring secrets through the mountains. Yet, it's the magnetism of Gabe Manning, with his dark complexion and dashing demeanor, that draws her gaze. Having known him since childhood, Betsy sees in Gabe the embodiment of the heroes she admires from her novels: a stalwart protector of the innocent, a champion of justice, a man of unshakable integrity, and a paragon of honor, guided by principles as steadfast as the mountains themselves— all while reconciling with his Arapaho Indian heritage. Yet, amid her admiration, Betsy longs for God's reassurance that Gabe is the one for her. As deputy of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, in 1875, Gabe "Little Sun" Manning sees the allure and harshness of frontier life. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the presence of Miss Betsy Smith, a compassionate schoolteacher whose independence and intellect captivate him as profoundly as her beauty. Yet, as their bond deepens, Gabe wrestles with doubts about his ability to fulfill the desires of her heart. Haunted by the secrets of his past and desperate for redemption, Gabe faces his most formidable challenge yet. Be sure and order your copy today!

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    Author Blossom Turner

    Blossom Turner is an award-winning author, multiple-time Canadian Word Guild Awards recipient, and ACFW Carol Award finalist who began her writing career later in life. An adventurer at heart, she enjoys skydiving, gardening, and singing for fun. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and other anthologies, worked as a newspaper columnist on health and fitness, and ultimately found her true passion in writing fiction with purpose. Her latest series, The Victory Series, brings to life spiritual warfare, weaving love, deep relationships, and hope into every page. She is also the author of the award-winning historical romance series The Shenandoah Brides, featuring five sisters and their love stories. Blossom and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, with their Shepherd/Bernese dog, Lacey.  It was a pleasure to interview Blossom for Between the Lines, talk about the inspiration behind The Victory Series, and discuss spiritual warfare, which is the theme of each of the three novels. Book Two, Mara in the Face of Battle, was released on April 22nd, and the ebook is available for the preorder price of only $3.99 until May 22nd. The endorsement of this book from bestselling author Creston Mapes says it all. "I've been watching and waiting for a powerful new voice in Christian fiction, and I've finally found it in Blossom Turner and her new thriller, Mara – The Unseen Battle. With spiritual warfare comparable to Frank Peretti, this book was powerfully spiritual and chillingly realistic. It had everything I love in a good novel — tension throughout, great pacing, unexpected twists and turns . . . I can't wait to read the second book in the series."  If you need a little more convincing that this book should be your next TBR, here is the back cover copy: She escaped the darkness once... but will she survive its clutches yet again? Despite scars both seen and unseen from her unimaginable past, Mara returns to the home that once imprisoned her in secrets, lies, and abuse. This time, she's no longer a victim—she's a young woman transformed by faith and driven by love. Mara is determined to share with her siblings the hope she's found in a God who saved her life and filled it with purpose.  Reminded of her past with every glance in the mirror, Mara's heart finds a home in Lucas, a man who loves her beyond appearances. With him, she steps into a new life of joy, ministry, and the promise of forever.  But an unseen battle rages. Mara discovers the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy is closer—and far more dangerous—than she imagined. Armed with prayer and the Holy Spirit, Mara must confront the forces that seek to crush everything she holds dear. When an unimaginable failure shakes the foundation of her faith, Mara faces her greatest test yet.  Can she trust God is good when life is not? Or will the shadows of her past pull her under once more? A gripping story of faith, love, and resilience. Turner takes us on a journey that will inspire and challenge readers to find hope in their own darkest moments. To connect with Blossom, follow her social media links, and/or sign up for her newsletter, visit her website, BlossomTurner.com.  

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    Author Lynn U. Watson

    I love Lynn Watson's tagline: Stepping through time, stitching stories of faith. She has written Cinnamah-Brosia's Inspirational Collection for Women with Book 1: Essence of Courage, Book 2: Essence of Joy, and Book 3: Essence of Humility. Her newest novel, Frayed Promises is Book 2 of her Promised Destiny Book Series. It was released on April 2nd. It is available in paperback, Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited. You can connect with Lynn on her website, follow her on social media, sign up for her newsletter, and receive a cross-stitch pattern Lynn created as a gift. Frayed Promises Back Cover Copy: Frayed Promises: A Life-Affirming Novel and sequel to BookFest Award Winner, Tangled Promises. Her grandmother's last warning spins like a tempest threatening to shipwreck their joy and fray every promise they have made. Clara and Daniel Becker married secretly circumventing nobility's rules. When denial no longer serves her, how does Clara hide the truth of their wedding night conception and their nuptials from her father, the Baron? If Vati sends her away, Daniel promises to follow. Unexpected circumstances bring them face-to-face with the words of Proverbs 16:20. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Will Clara and Daniel trust the path ahead? Where will God lead? NOTE: Inconvenient pregnancy, sanctity of life, and past abortion are a part of this story—handled with gentleness and grace.   

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    Author Megan Soja

    Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories filled with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. Her debut series, Harbor of Spies, is set in Boston at the start of the American Revolution. When she is isn't writing, Megan enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and spending time with her family. She is also a musician and has played the French Horn for over twenty-five years. She lives in Western New York with her husband and two daughters. Megan is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She has been a semi-finalist and winner of several awards including the ACFW Genesis Award, the ACFW First Impressions Award, and the Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Award. Her writing has been featured in the spring 2024 issue of Spark Flash Fiction, the summer 2023 issue of Adirondack Peeks Magazine, and the Image Bearers Anthology. In our interview for Between the Lines, we discussed her debut novel Spark of the Revolution now available on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and Barnes & Noble. You can connect with Megan on her website where you can learn more about her, Book 2 in the Harbor of Spies Series (Secrets of the Revolution), and sign up for her newsletter. To give you peek into Megan's story, here is the back cover copy of Spark of the Revolution: A spark ignites a flame that could burn down everything they hold dear. Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn't quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she's not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn't put him at odds with her father's loyalties. Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him. As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own?  

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    Author Avellina Balestri

    Avellina Balestri is a Catholic author, editor, speaker, musician, and historian based in the scenic Pennsylvania-Maryland (Penn-Mar) borderlands, nearby the Gettysburg Battlefield and the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Her Italian-American heritage is in synergy with her passion for spirituality and the arts. Avellina's wide assortment of essays, stories, poems, and interviews have been featured in over forty print and online publications. Her historical fiction novels (chronicling the adventures of 12th century outlaws and 18th century redcoats) and her poetry collections (ranging from historical commemoration to social commentary), as well as various anthologies in which her works have been included, can be found on Amazon and Goodreads. Avellina is also the editor and one of the contributing authors of the literary magazine Fellowship & Fairydust which follows in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton and others. They also branch out into other storytelling traditions from around the world to cultivate intercultural and interreligious understanding. They accept submissions of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and prose as well as artwork and photography. Be sure to visit Avellina's website for more information. While interviewing her on Between the Lines, we discussed her historical fiction novel All Ye That Pass By, Book 1 in her Gone for A Soldier Series. It released last July and is available on Amazon in ebook and paperback formats. This series deals with characters of different Christian denominations navigating the social and political complexities of Great Britain and the American Colonies as war breaks out between them. Here is the back cover copy of All Ye That Pass By: "If you don a scarlet coat at the price of your conscience, the color will only remind you of the wound in your own soul! If you sign away the faith of your fathers, all lesser goods will be forfeited too!" Young Edmund Southworth could not have foreseen the path his life would take upon befriending Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne, British military veteran and parliamentarian. As Catholic recusants from the north of England, Edmund's once noble family has struggled to survive for centuries in the shadow of the Anglican ascendancy. But General Burgoyne offers him the chance to put past humiliations behind him by joining the Church of England and donning a scarlet coat as an officer of King George III. Although his conscience is uneasy, Edmund embarks upon Burgoyne's March to subdue the American revolutionaries by splitting the colonies in two. He finds unexpected love in the arms of Abby Vanderkamp, a supporter of American independence, who will do anything to free her father from a British prison hulk or, failing that, strike a blow for the hard-pressed rebel cause. As the British advance through the New York wilderness devolves into increasing brutality and instability, Edmund will have his already divided loyalties tested to the breaking point under the influence of this hostile land which presents him with new challenges and opportunities alike.

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    Author C.O. Wyler

    Indie author Constance Wyler (pen name C.O. Wyler) shares her two biblical fiction novels, Untaken and Untaken, Too. Although biblically based, they are contemporary settings. Untaken follows the twelve hours after the Rapture. It was originally published in 2017, but Ms. Wyler updated it and rereleased it in 2023. Untaken, Too follows the twelve days after the Rapture and was released in March of 2024. For more information, she encourages her followers to visit RaptureKit.org.  

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    Author Carrie Walker

    Carrie Walker is an award-winning author who writes the kind of stories she loves to read—those that bring hope to a hurting world. Weaving romance among storylines of characters in struggle, she aims to show God working in all situations. Her debut novel Emma's Hero (Faith Endures Series Book 1) released in April and Book 2 Right Before Their Eyes released earlier this month. You can find them both on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited. Visit Carrie's website where you can read more about her and connect to her social media links. Here is the back cover copy of Emma's Hero: "God won't give me more than I can handle? I'm pretty sure He just did." After a year of loss and bad choices distance Emma Reynolds from her lifelong beliefs, she finds herself pregnant and alone at a twenty-week ultrasound, hearing the words "incompatible with life." When her son, Theo, survives birth, she fights to give him the best care possible. As each day passes, Emma's love for Theo grows—along with her fear of losing him. She can't understand why God allows her son to suffer. Seventeen-year-old blogger, Mason Hughes, feels lonely and worthless after his father left their family years ago. When he ignores his mother's push to "contribute to society," she volunteers him to help Emma each week. Wishing he'd applied for any other job, Mason has no choice but to grocery shop and practice his rusty social skills with a mother and son he doesn't know. Paramedic Ben Sullivan has earned himself the title of "most eligible" bachelor among his friends as they continually set him up on blind dates. While he'd love to avoid the uncomfortable events, his heart can't help but seek the one thing missing in his life—a marriage like his parents have. If only he could find the woman himself. As Theo's tiny life connects them to each other, their loneliness breaks under the love of community, and they will never be the same.

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    Author D.M. Griffin

    Demi Griffin (pen name, D.M. Griffin) is a prolific author with more than six series available to those who love biblical fiction. Her latest Encounter Series is based on unnamed women of the Bible. Book 4, Return of the Son is available on Amazon along with the first three: The Crumbs Off Heaven's Table The Crooked Daughter Touch of Power In Demi's words: For me, writing has been a gift that keeps me in step with the Spirit. Every book, each character, and the biblical themes knit my heart together in fresh new ways. I hope that my readers enjoy the same experience when they enter the stories with me. A book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights me more than sharing a story. You can connect with Demi on her website where you can access daily prayers, her blog post (Pondering), and sign up for her newsletter. To peek your interest, here is the Return of the Son BCC: Her life was perfect. At least her childhood was. Eve never wanted anything except her father's presence. As a prominent advisor to the evil King Herod, Eve's father was split between his duties to the king and his duties as the only living parent for his daughter. With no heir to claim his family's land, Eve's father did what any loving father would do. He arranged for her betrothal. But this wasn't just any betrothal. Her potential husband was related to the king she despised. With a rough marital journey ahead of her, she tenuously clings to the promises of God. Not sharing her father's enthusiasm or respect for the Herodian dynasty, Eve acted like the spoiled child she was upon first meeting her betrothed. With faulty expectations and prejudiced opinions, she did what she would to ruin the marriage before it began. It wasn't until it was almost too late that Eve's eyes were open and she saw the opportunity to experience love for the divine intervention that it was. Fraught with political intrigue and personal challenges, would Eve be able to fully surrender to the life God wanted her to live by loving a man she thought she could never love? When that man's shadows chase the family into the future, would Eve's son pay the ultimate price? Or would God intervene there too? Could He? Only a single, unforeseen encounter could answer Eve's impossible question. Does love truly conquer death?  

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    Author Stacy J. Ladyman

    Stacy J. Ladyman is a writer, east coast transplant, food lover, master of small things, and a southerner at heart. Learn more about her on her website where you can connect with her social media platforms, read her blog posts, and discover the heart of who she is. And be sure to follow her Facebook Author Page. You can purchase her novel Shep and the King of Hearts on Amazon. As of this podcast publication, it was also available on Kindle Unlimited. Here is the back cover copy of Shep and the King of Hearts: Chris Warren's structured life as a behavioral hospital administrator is interrupted when her estranged father, Jim, suddenly returns to her life after a twenty-five-year absence. Jim, a down-on-his-luck old cowboy, tries and fails to hide his gambling addiction. Desperate to help him, she enlists the hospital's unconventional chaplain, Shep. When her father disappears, Chris and Shep set out on a journey to find him in the wilds of Idaho where love unexpectantly blossoms, hope is there for the finding, and hearts have a last chance to heal.    

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    Author Heather Wood

    Historical fiction author Heather Wood grew up in the Chicago suburbs, loving history, classic literature, writing stories, and Civil War reenacting. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in Bible/Theology from Appalachian Bible College, she settled in Virginia with her husband David. Her early passions fuel her writing today, although she spends most of her days now working to infuse her love for God and good literature into the hearts of her four small children. You can connect with Heather, follow her social media links, and learn about more of her beautiful work on her website. Here is the back cover blurb of Weaving Roots: Baltimore, 1828 Spinning. Turning flax to fine linen thread for her family's weaving business keeps Betha's hands occupied all day, but it's the concerns spinning in her heart that never truly rest. How can she give her nephew Henry a secure, loving home when his father remains indifferent? How can she guide the boy who calls her "Ma" to know and follow the Lord for himself? And when past secrets and future changes collide, will she lose Henry altogether? Colm Gallagher is passionate about teaching boys using innovative educational methods. But is his kind and thorough instruction enough if he is not allowed to give his students the ultimate truth of God's Word? Confronted by his student Henry Young and the boy's lovely but determined aunt, Colm considers if he has allowed practical considerations to outweigh his deepest-held beliefs. Even as Betha and Colm are drawn to each other, family loyalties, financial pressures, and personal uncertainties push them further apart. Will the threads of their lives unravel or become knit together into something stronger? Weaving linen is her family's legacy. Weaving roots of truth and grace is her calling.  

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    Author Barbara Tucker Ketchum

    Barbara Tucker Ketchum's first career was in education where she taught middle school and coached high school softball. She then switched careers and enjoyed twenty-two years as an orthopedic physical therapist. A stage 4 cancer diagnosis led to her early retirement in 2020. Chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and God's grace allowed Barbara to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Her family, cycling, hiking, pickleball, and reading keep her busy. She is a devoted follower of Christ. Some of her favorite things are the Arkansas Razorbacks, watching her grandkids play sports, chocolate, and Ford Mustangs. Driving Timmy's Car is Barbara's debut novel and is a finalist for the CIPA (Christian Indie Publishing Awards). You can purchase it on Amazon in paperback and ebook, or download it to your Kindle Unlimited account. Cathy is lonely, studious, and athletic. Dodie is easygoing, attractive, and popular. Their unlikely friendship begins during junior high and grows into an inseparable bond. During high school, Dodie's cousin, Timmy, moves to their small town. Soon Cathy and Timmy discover they have a lot in common. They each have big dreams. His is to play professional baseball. Hers is to become a doctor. The tumultuous '60s take away Cathy's dreams, Timmy, and her faith and leave her and Dodie sharing a dark secret. It will take thirty years, a tragic accident to Dodie, a loving husband, and the right person driving Timmy's car before Cathy can forgive herself and accept the unconditional love of Christ.

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    Author Pegg Thomas

    Pegg Thomas is a prolific, multi-award winning historical fiction author— four Selah, two Faith, Hope & Love, and two Will Rogers Medallion wins for her books.   She is the "spinner of yarns" both figuratively and literally as she owns and operates many antique spinning wheels. Newsletter subscribers are randomly selected to receive one of the shawls she creates to coincide with her novels.   Real History. Fictional Characters. American Stories.   Her latest release is Freedom's Promise, book 3 in her Path to Freedom Series and is now available on Amazon. Freedom's Price is book 1 and Freedom's Pride is book 2.   Other works by Pegg include:  Forts of Refuge Series— Sarah's Choice Maggie's Strength Abigail's Peace Prequel novella—Henri's Regret   A More Perfect Union Series— Emerald Fields Cobalt Skies Silver Prairies   Connect with Pegg and sign up for her newsletter at peggthomas.com.

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    Author Patti Shene Gonzalez

    Would you like a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card? Act quickly. If you purchase Patti Shene's Christmas novella Cathy's Christmas Confession, take a picture of yourself holding the book (or the ebook cover on your tablet or phone) and send it to her at [email protected], you will be entered for the giveaway when you sign up for her Newsletter. Patti Shene was born and raised on Long Island in New York but has made her home in Colorado for over forty years. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Although she has a few novels in progress, we spoke about her Christmas novella, Cathy's Christmas Confession during, our interview. This delightful, Christmas story was a blessing to read. Patti loves to encourage other writers and aspiring writers, and welcomes them to guest post on her two blogs, Patti's Porch and The Over 50 Writer. Her most exciting and recent endeavor is hosting a Blog Talk Radio show entitled Step Into the Light. This weekly show hosts guests who have been in a dark place and found their way back to light or who lead others to light. You can learn more about Patti, sign up for her blog/newsletter, and follow her on her website, www.PattiShene.com    

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    Author Miriam Thor

    It was a delight to talk with author Miriam Thor. Her latest novel, A Kringle Family Christmas, is a contemporary romance now available on Amazon. Also available is her YA romance titled Listening to the Rain. Connect with Miriam on her website where you can learn more about her and subscribe to her blog. Back Cover Copy of A Kringle Family Christmas: Bethany Kringle is planning to skip Christmas, like she has both years since her mom died. She thinks it's the perfect plan…until her brother, Matt, tells her he's taking leave from the Navy to come home for Christmas. And he's bringing his friend, Jay, with him. Now, Bethany must fight through her grief to give them the best Christmas possible. Jay MacDonald is afraid that God wants him to leave the Navy, the only place he has ever belonged. He's also nervous about spending Christmas with his friend's family, until he meets Matt's sister who helps put him at ease. Jay immediately notices the grief Bethany is trying to hide and resolves to help her in any way he can. As Jay supports Bethany, the two can't help being drawn to each other. Could God use this Christmas to bring them both peace and possibly bring them together as well?  

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    Author Kate Goodwin

    Kate Goodwin writes stories of love and redemption that encourage the soul. Her first book Every Step After is a second-chance romance novel on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Her second novel Reckless Love released on October 3rd and is also available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Follow Kate's blog and stay connected via Substack. Reckless Love: A Redemption Story Back Cover Copy A pregnant girl A desperate woman The God who sees them both Amina Abdel's sheltered world is turned upside down when she finds herself alone and with child. The daughter of immigrants flees her mother's judgment and father's shame, unexpectedly finding shelter with the small town's pastor and his wife. Their kindness feels foreign to Amina, until she realizes they too want something from her—the baby. All Melissa Abrams has ever wanted was a son to carry on her husband's family legacy of keeping an Abrams man behind the pulpit. As barrenness pushes her to a breaking point, God seemingly drops the answer on their doorstep. Clinging to this last hope, she ignores the warning signs and forges ahead, convinced this is God's plan. When Amina second-guesses giving up her child, Melissa's desperation drives her to an ill-conceived arrangement that will test them both. Will the little boy that initially tied them together be what breaks them apart? Or is God's hand in it all to bring lost sheep into the fold? This Hagar and Sarah-inspired novel puts a contemporary spin on an ancient story of struggle, longing, heartbreak and redemption.

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    Author Jeff Raymond

    The Alcuin Letter is Book two in Award-Winning author Jeff Raymond's International Intrigue series. He writes Christian thrillers with intrigue, history, and a desperate search for answers. On this podcast, we discussed his work, the intense amount of research involved, and his next project.   Jeff says this about the inspiration for his novels: "When I read, I'm pulled into characters who find themselves in difficult situations outside of their everyday experiences. I want to follow those characters and discover how they develop and grow because of their circumstances. I have attempted to bring those types of relatable characters and growth-inducing situations to the International Intrigue series. In the midst of the mystery and suspense, I also hope readers contemplate some bigger issues, such as the topics of faith, grace, and redemption within the Christian faith." This Christian thriller and Book one The Medici Quest is available in print, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited. Visit his website to connect with him on social media, read his bio, and experience sample chapters of his book. Here is the BCC of The Alcuin Letter: What price success? When a tragedy sparked by a medieval letter brings Matt and Camilla together in London, they never could have imagined the death and peril that would accompany their search for answers. The letter, rumored to lead to a relic of Biblical importance, holds ancient clues that others are also desperate to uncover. Amidst the pressure and danger of the hunt, Matt and Camilla must confront their past heartbreaks and battle their inner doubts and beliefs. But even if they are successful, what will it mean for their faith? And what will it mean for their budding relationship? From a quaint antique shop in Frankfort to a grand cathedral in Geneva to a secluded Swiss abbey, the pursuit of answers takes the pair on a harrowing ride. With success in their grasp, the journey culminates with a decision that will test their convictions. Enhanced with historical figures, locations, and facts, The Alcuin Letter is a gripping tale that will entertain while prompting readers to examine their own faith. Come and join Matt and Camilla on their exciting journey.    

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    Author Emily Golus

    Emily Golus is an award-winning author of YA Fantasy who has been dreaming up fantasy worlds since before she could write her name. A New England transplant living in the Deep South, she's fascinated by how culture shapes the way individuals see the world. Golus aims to create stories that engage, inspire, and reassure readers that the small choices of everyday life matter. She shares on her website, "The world of young adult fantasy has become a kind of Wild West, where some publishers are pushing explicit content to entertain adults—ignoring the teens the books are supposed to be designed for. While my books don't shy away from dealing with real-world problems (there's plenty of peril, some grief and heartbreak, and occasional physical fighting), my promise to you is that there will be no graphic violence, no foul language, and no sexual content. Also, I don't routinely kill off characters just for shock effect. Feel free to get attached. You're welcome." Her first book Escape to Vindor is a 2018 Selah Award Winner. It's followed by her second book Mists of Paracosmia. Her newest release Crack the Stone is a retelling of the classic Les Misérables and will be on blog tour with Celebrate Lit September 21st through October 4th. Be sure to follow the tour and enter for a chance to win the grand prize of a paperback copy of Crack the Stone, an obsidian arrowhead pendant, two Vindor stickers, a Vindor mini-map, a Vindor bookmark, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The link to enter for the prize will not be live until September 21st. Connect with Emily at her website www.emilygolusbooks.com Here is the Back Cover Copy of Crack the Stone: I am Valshara, the black stone born of fire. Break me, and my edges turn into knives. Condemned to a slave camp for her crimes, goblin convict Valshara Sh'a makes a death-defying escape to freedom. But navigating Vindor's treacherous cavern system is only the beginning of her troubles. An encounter with a rogue king turns her world upside down, and a bargain with fairy tricksters leaves her with a human child she doesn't know how to care for. As she tries to smuggle the boy through the walls of a barricaded city, Valshara can't let down her guard. Because somewhere in the darkness behind her, a bounty hunter rises—relentless as nightfall and merciless as death itself. Emily Golus re-imagines Victor Hugo's beloved Les Misérables as an epic fantasy adventure about suffering, redemption, and the extraordinary power of love.  

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join me as I interview authors of contemporary Christian fiction. Hear about their writing journeys, inspiration, tips and tricks. It's not as easy as you might think.

HOSTED BY

Jennifer Sienes

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Join me as I interview authors of contemporary Christian fiction. Hear about their writing journeys, inspiration, tips and tricks. It's not as easy as you might think.

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Between the Lines has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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Between the Lines is created and hosted by Jennifer Sienes.
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