Split-time fiction focusing on contemporary issues and complementing them with historical ones?  YEAH. Because while no one has ever had the temptation of screens at every moment of the day, the principle of that temptation is timeless. Listen in to see why I think this series is brilliant.

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**Each book in the Sister in Arms Collection can be read as a standalone. The collection can be read in any order.**

Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks

At the brink of the Civil War, Henrietta Frontenac is a fierce protector of her five younger sisters. As poverty and despair threaten their survival, Henrietta takes a bold step to protect her family. She disguises herself as a man to find work at the docks and is soon swept into the ranks of the Confederate army. Facing unimaginable risks, will she maintain her secret identity, or will unexpected love unravel all she’s worked for?

 In the present, Everly Moore, a former wild spirit turned compassionate chiropractor, has spent fifteen years trying to redeem her past. When her beloved sister Ivy faces the heart-wrenching challenge of infertility, Everly finds herself at a crossroads, unsure if she can confront her own trauma and step up as Ivy’s surrogate. After Everly and Ivy stumble upon the story of their brave relative Henrietta, they are inspired to confront their own fears. But will they make the difficult choices that could change their lives forever?

 Dive deep into this intertwined narrative where past and present collide, showcasing the unyielding strength of sisterhood. A story of love, resilience, and the battles that unite us across generations.

Learn more about Sarah on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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 Love a good mystery? Me too. That's why finding out that Emily Hanlon has a super cool series with two opposites as sleuths made me nearly dance (it would've been loud on the recording!). Listen in to find out my favorite elements we discussed (book 1 is here and I'm eager to dig in!

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Books 1 and 2 are available and let's all read and review so we get a dozen more, because this just sounds so awesome!

A Cloud of Witnesses by Emily Hanlon

 Life at Saint John of the Cross Parish in Pequot Bays should have returned to normal after one of its priests was cleared of murdering a parishioner and the true killer put behind bars. But a troublesome new group called Dies Irae has moved in, led by the fire-and-brimstone Father Thaddeus. When one of its devoted followers dies under suspicious circumstances, Father Seamus enlists Martha Collins to help him oust Father Thaddeus from the parish. But when a second member of Dies Irae dies, the Purple Pest detective, Marya Cook, shuffles back into action. Can Marya unmask another murderer before he or she strikes again—or will Martha become the next victim? In this sequel to Emily Hanlon’s phenomenal debut, Who Am I to Judge?, the scatterbrained octogenarian sleuth, Marya, and her sensible sidekick, Martha, are back in action with new twists and turns, an assortment of scheming suspects, and of course, plenty of purple-penned notecards.

Learn more about Emily on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.

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 WHEW!  Guys, I had the BEST conversation with Avellina Balestri--nearly FOUR hours of chatting. And somehow I cut it down to less than an hour (okay, we didn't record the first hour). But... WHOA. This woman's historical knowledge is phenomenal. Listen in to see why I can't WAIT to read this book!

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 Seriously, there is WAY too much for me to try to put into shown notes.  Zip me a message or an email if you want the whole conversation 95% uncut (over two hours) uploaded to YouTube.  I could make that happen.

Gone for a Soldier by Avellina Balestri

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.

Learn more about Avellina on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.

Don't miss the literary magazine she edits as well!

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 I fell in love with Nancy's writing with The Shell Collector. Imagine my joy when I discovered she has a SEQUEL! Eeep! Listen in and discover which characters you'll find in To Light the Way Forward and what's coming next for one of America's favorite authors!

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It's been three years since Nancy and I had a chance to talk, and in that time, she's been BUSY.  So in addition to falling in love with her character, Tug, and wanting to give him his own story, she's written a small-town duet (and maybe we talked her into a third?) as well as a romcom duo!  Think we can talk her into a third of that series as well?  Because... SPOILER ALERT... we're getting a third Shell Collector Series book, too! EEEP!

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle

A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector. “Bringing to life characters you can’t help but fall in love with, Nancy Naigle goes straight to the heart with this story of tragedy turned to triumph. A poignant reminder to never give up hope.”—Sheila Roberts, author of The Best Life Book Club Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug. But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild. As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Learn more about Nancy on her WEBSITEand follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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 When  I read the first chapter of Turning Toward Eden, I laughed so hard and enjoyed it so much that I immediately flipped back to the beginning and read it again. Listen in to see why.

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 Cate Touryan has written a brilliant book that takes place in the early seventies on California's central coast. Amid family drama and the threat of local "commies," Eden is trying to figure out who she is and what life is all about.

The whole thing feels like my childhood. I lived in the area, spent lots of time there, and man do I love it.

There aren't enough books that take place in the late sixties and early seventies, but Cate has written a brilliant one to add to every reader's shelves.  I'm not quite done, but I am loving the read.

Turning Toward Eden by Cate Touryan

 “Chasing the truth, huh? Sure, you're not running from it?” Hollis might be her only friend, a lanky boy Mama calls her “beau,” but Eden Lewis has no time for his hogwash. She’s got a mystery to crack. For most fourteen-year-olds, California summers in the early 1970s mean sun and surf, despite the Cold War chill. Not for Eden. Her AWOL father has sent her life into a tailspin, landing her in a shabby beach town, stuck caring for her severely disabled brother. Caught in her parents’ own cold war, Eden ditches Dex at every chance—pier fishing with Hollis, playing poker with the grizzled card sharks, and caterwaulin’ in the church choir, laying plain to the Almighty that singing terms ain’t the same as speaking terms, what with the hand he’s dealt her. Then Raven arrives mid-ninth grade—an elusive Soviet girl rumored to rain black-winged curses over the fearful town. When a rash of petty crimes escalates to bloodshed on the beach, suspicion falls on the “commie”—and then Eden. Desperate to prove herself innocent, and Raven guilty, she embarks on a reckless game of chase. But for the truth to set her free, she must risk Dex’s life. Will she go all in, no matter the cost?

An evocative story laced with mystery, Turning Toward Eden weaves nostalgia with grit, sorrow with humor, and despair with faith, offering hope to anyone who has sought to belong in a world that rarely plays fair.

"This is storytelling at its most atmospheric—brimming with quirky, well-drawn characters, razor-sharp prose, and the kind of setting you can almost smell. The writing is lyrical, grounded, and often laugh-out-loud funny—even in the midst of deeply poignant moments. With a cast of endearing misfits and a tone reminiscent of Southern Gothic charm, this story lures you in from the very first line and doesn’t let go. Cate Touryan has a truly original voice, a rare gift for language, and a special ability to render a world so vivid you feel baptized in it." — Zena Dell Lowe, Screenwriter, Story Coach, and Founder of The Storyteller’s Mission Audiobook Coming Soon! The audiobook edition of Turning Toward Eden is in production and on its way to Audible, iTunes, and beyond. Stay tuned for a richly narrated experience, perfect for readers who love stories on the go.

Learn more about Cate on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.

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Debut novelist, Rachel Chamberlayne, has an office romance (sort of) that'll keep readers smiling. Listen in and see why I got the hint of a  While You Were Sleeping vibe.

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Chatting with Rachel was a blast--from story ideas to what's next, we got it all. 

Don't know about you, but I'm sold!

Psst... I'm halfway through with the book and loving it.

My Grumpy Editor by Rachel Chamberlayne

Abi has met her ultimate bully. Will she be brave enough to rise to the challenge?

Determined to escape the ghosts of her past, Abi Benson jumps at the chance to skip town when she is offered a ghostwriting position at a prestigious digital marketing firm in the Big City.

When she discovers she’ll be writing for a dream client just two weeks into the job, the opportunity seems almost too good to be true. And when her assigned editor, Philip Baker, informs her of the unfortunate case of mistaken identity that disqualifies her from the running, it turns out that it is.

Desperate to prove herself, Abi strikes up a deal that her broody, enigmatic editor can’t resist. In exchange for keeping her secret about her true identity, she’ll accompany Phil to his brother’s wedding in order to charm his difficult father—who happens to be more distraught over Phil’s recent breakup than he is.

As the guilt over her lie catches up with her, Abi finds comfort in the most unexpected place: her grumpy editor’s surprisingly tender embrace—especially when an assault flips her world upside down and prevents her from revealing the secret she so desperately wants to confess.

Now, hundreds of miles from home and feeling even more distant from God, Abi must summon the courage to face both her fears and her past head on. But will Phil and Abi’s romance survive the storm, or will their differing beliefs extinguish their fragile flame forever?

Learn more about Rachel on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.

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If archaeology and second chance romance in 19th-century  England are your jam (and if not, shouldn't they be?), you won't want to miss Michelle Griep's Of Silver and Secrets. Listen in to learn about the new archaeological site, the new university, and a new couple working together despite themselves...

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Chatting about different sites in England, the different sorts of Roman artifacts, and even learning about the ongoing dig of Vindolanda made me suddenly want to hop a plane and see what other archaeological wonders England has to offer!

And boy do her upcoming releases sound awesome. Stay tuned for more about those closer to release dates!

Of Silver and Secrets by Michelle Griep

Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . . In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics. Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires--provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them. "Sure to delight fans of archaeological adventure and historical romance."--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author Dive into the past in this clean historical romance as Michelle Griep transports you to Victorian England with an appealing mix of mystery, Roman archaeology, and charming banter. This enthralling tale will appeal to fans of Mimi Matthews, Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Learn more about Michelle on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

And don't miss her cool Etsy shop!  You can find that HERE.

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I was excited to see that Rosey Lee brought back more of the Gardins, and that she decided to take a difficult character and make her sympathetic--even likeable.  Listen in as we discuss Martha Gardin and see what else is happening in Edin.

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 I love it when authors take those annoying characters and give us reasons to give them a second chance.  Martha Gardin can be a bit much. Okay, a LOT bit much, but seeing her gentle a bit, too.  Perfection.

Rosey Lee's grace and love for the Lord and His people shines through her conversation and in her work.

A Gardin Wedding by Rosey Lee

One of the Gardin women must navigate a season rich with unexpected challenges in the follow-up to The Gardins of Edin, a heartwarming story about love, forgiveness, new beginnings, and what it takes to get there.

Martha Gardin is a mess, and no one knows this better than the women in her family. Good-hearted but often misguided by distrust and insecurity, Martha is known for stirring up drama. That’s why Ruth, Naomi, and Mary are pleasantly surprised when Martha mellows out after she begins dating one of the most eligible bachelors in town. 

Handsome, well-connected Oji Greenwald is everything Martha hoped to find in a man, and it’s only a matter of time before he pops the question. Rarely caught off guard, Martha is accustomed to getting her way. But when it appears she’s finally about to have the life she’s always wanted, a crisis in Oji’s family brings out Martha’s tendency to try to save the day her way, and the divide deepens between her and Oji’s already indifferent mother, Eve.

Confronted with these unforeseen challenges to her plans, Martha finds herself on a journey that forces her to fully acknowledge her previous mistakes and reconcile her past. But will it be enough to deliver her the future—and the love—her heart desires?

Don't forget to listen to the first interview with Rosey Lee HERE.

Learn more about Rosey on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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 I love it when authors take their adventures and passions and turn them into excellent stories for children that both show those passions AND entertain. Listen in to see how Yvonne M. Morgan did that with her Mary the Missionary story.

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 I loved hearing about Yvonne's mission adventures and how she used them to tell her stories.  

I'm eager to read the book and to discover all the new adventures her characters might have!

Mary the Missionary by Yvonne M. Morgan

 A Kenya Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren't different, and Jesus loves all children.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, "Mary the Missionary" teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.

Learn more about Yvonne on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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What happens when an author sets another book at the location of a few of your personal favorites?  Squeals?  Yep.  Pumped fists?  Absolutely. Impatience to get your grubby paws on it?  Oh, yeah. Listen in to see why this book is making a big splash.

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There's something about how some authors can make you love what you generally wouldn't choose. Liz Johnson definitely fills that role for me. All the swoony romance I usually avoid... if Liz writes it, bring it on.  Probably because she writes such great characters and stories that make the story so much more than guy meets girl and hearts and flowers ensue.

I absolutely loved Sometimes You Stay. The awkward guy. The broken girl.  The confidence that he knows who he is, even as he doubts himself. The determination to keep living her best life, far away from her past. The unexpected love that makes them both confront their personal demons. They have related problems--each rooted in very different situations. And the way Johnson shows that contrast in the similar--beautiful.

Oh, yeah. and the audio is brilliant. :)

Sometimes You Stay by Liz Johnson

 He was never going to leave the island, and she wasn't going to stay. But if she walked away, she would always wonder . . . For digital content creator Cretia Martin, home is wherever her carry-on suitcase lands. And it's constantly landing in new places as she travels the world. She's never been interested in settling in one spot--after all, houses are just places that collect junk and tie you down. But when she literally bumps into local dog breeder Finn Chaffey on Prince Edward Island and all the tools of her trade end up in the harbor, she can't exactly leave until she gets things sorted out. Finn is horrified by the part he played in the accident and offers to help, arranging for Cretia to stay with a friend at the beautiful Red Door Inn. The longer Cretia is forced to remain in one place, the more she discovers what she's been missing with life on the road--and the more she wants to see Finn and his business succeed. But helping him means staying put, the one thing she always swore she wouldn't do, and risking the only thing she's never put on the line--her heart.

You can still get Sometimes You Stay for 30% off and FREE SHIPPING from BakerBookHouse.com

Find out more about Liz  on her WEBSITE.  And follow her on BookBub and GoodReads!

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