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Dana McNeely is a first time guest on the show, and we're so pleased to have her join us to talk about her book, Mantle. We chat about her road to publication—a super interesting story—how it felt to final in the Christy and Carol awards, and the pitfalls of writing about real biblical characters. Patrons hear about one of her big writerly fiascos.

Mantle by Dana McNeely

In the aftermath of Elijah’s fiery ascension, the mantle of prophecy rests heavily on Elisha’s shoulders. Called to shepherd Israel through turbulent times, he faces challenges from rulers, prophets, and even the people closest to him.

Jaedon, who has shadowed Elisha since boyhood, is torn between loyalty to the prophet and his deepening desire to right a grievous wrong. As the young vintner struggles to understand why Yahweh allowed his family’s murders, he considers a step toward revenge that will jeopardize his relationship with the man he regards as an elder brother.

Gehazi, whose faith sometimes flickers, is tempted by the promise of wealth and power. His actions threaten to tear him away from the very blessings he sought to protect.

Meanwhile, Ziva, an innocent girl in the sleepy settlement of Gischala, is swept into a world filled with uncertainty and danger. With unimaginable loss behind her, she struggles to look beyond her grief to find God’s will. It is then she realizes only one path remains.

Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle?

Get your copy of Mantle by Dana McNeely.

Dana McNeely dreamed of living in a world teeming with adventure, danger, and romance, but she had a problem—she also needed a lot of peace and quiet. She learned to visit that dream world by stepping into a book. Better yet, hundreds of books. Soon, she began writing her own stories, fact and fiction.

Inspired by the Bible stories of Elijah, Dana wondered why the prophet came to stay with the widow of Zarephath and her son. Who were they? What was their life, before? How did the boy change after he died, saw the other world—and came back?

Those questions led to Dana writing RAIN, in which she built her dream world of adventure, danger, and romance. Peace and quiet, however, have remained elusive. 

No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies. 

Her debut novel RAIN spins the tale of a mysterious prophet, a desperate youth, and a relentless queen. In 2021 RAIN became a finalist in The Christy Award® and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award.

WHIRLWIND, the second novel in the “Whispers on the Wind” series, tells the story of a king’s downfall and a love that transcends war.

Visit Dana McNeely's website.