In this heartwarming holiday episode, Kelly chats with three beloved Christian romance authors about their collaborative novella collection, A Very English Christmas. Each author shares the inspiration behind their story—woven with romance, faith, and a touch of literary magic from iconic authors Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter.
Carrie brings us into the Victorian era with a tale of love, perseverance, and trust in God, all while Charles Dickens pens A Christmas Carol. Marguerite transports us to Edwardian England with a story of class divides, hidden secrets, and a heroine inspired by Beatrix Potter’s trailblazing spirit. And Carole’s Regency-era novella paints a beautiful friendship between her heroine Violet and Jane Austen herself, exploring the burdens of family and the gentle nudges of divine guidance.
This episode is filled with meaningful faith themes, romantic tension, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into crafting timeless historical love stories. Whether you’re a fan of dual timelines, literary legends, or faith-filled storytelling, this conversation will warm your heart.
Listen to the episode here.
Meet Carole Lehr Johnson
Carole Lehr Johnson is an award-winning author of eight books which are inspired by her love of tea and scones, castles and cottages, and all things British. Her nine trips to the UK over the years have led her to immerse her writing in the United Kingdom. Connect with Carole on social media and her website at CaroleLehrJohnson.com
Meet Marguerite Gray
Marguerite Martin Gray is an award-winning author of a dozen novels and novellas. She enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she also teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her young and up to date. Connect with Marguerite at her website MargueriteMartinGray.com
Meet Carrie Turansky
Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott. They have five grown children and twelve grandchildren who bring them much joy. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking around the lake near her home, working in her flower gardens, cooking healthy meals for family and friends, or leading women’s ministry at her church. Carrie loves to connect with reading friends on social media and through her website: Carrieturansky.com
Bible Verses for Encouragement
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
— Psalm 23:5 NKJV
This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience…
— 1 Timothy 1:18–19 NKJV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
— Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV
The New Book: A Very English Christmas
Celebrate the season with three timeless tales inspired by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter.
When Emma Grace Langley retreats to her grandmother’s antique shop in the snowy Cotswolds after heartbreak and job loss, she hopes to find clarity. Instead, she finds a collection of heirlooms—a portrait, a rare book, and a charming figurine—that unlock stories from the past. As each tale unfolds, Emma is drawn into the lives of three remarkable women whose lives were touched by England’s greatest storytellers.
In A Portrait of Faith, devoted daughter, Violet Walford, longs for a life beyond duty to her family. When she is asked to paint insightful Regency-era author, Jane Austen, their unexpected friendship inspires Violet to pursue life and love with new courage.
In A Victorian Christmas Tale, Clara Reynolds struggles against physical challenges and family expectations while falling in love with John, a writer with ties to Charles Dickens. Their work at the London Foundling Hospital brings healing, hope, and a Christmas transformation that would make Scrooge proud.
And in A Tale of the Season, Edwardian heiress Arabella Graham escapes to the Lake District and meets a charming country veterinarian—and author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. With gentle wisdom and the peace of a country Christmas, Arabella discovers the joy of finding her own path.
Blending romance, inspiration, and literary nostalgia, A Very English Christmas is the perfect holiday escape for fans of historical fiction and classic English authors.
💞 Tropes in A Very English Christmas
Friends to Lovers (Carrie’s Victorian romance)Opposites Attract / Class Differences (Marguerite’s Edwardian story)Literary Friendship / Secret Talent / Family Burden (Carole’s Regency story)Faith Through TrialsFound FamilySlow Burn RomanceHoliday Romance / Christmas SettingHistorical Matchmaking / Subtle Interference by a MentorSecond Chance at Love (for the modern wraparound story)Get updates on our book giveaways
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Kelly’s Personal Update
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
Finding Forevermore is available today!
Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything.
Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth.
Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself.
As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper.
Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace.
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