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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?