Spicy book author Sara Madderson joins Beyond the Surface to explore the intersections of faith, sexuality, and personal identity, drawing from her convent education in Dublin and Manchester. She reflects on the pervasive guilt and shame instilled by Catholic teachings and the ways purity culture shaped her understanding of desire and repression.

As the conversation unfolds, Sara discusses her literary work, including novels written under the pen name Elodie Hart, which challenge traditional narratives by exploring sexuality (sometimes within religious contexts). Through her writing, she reclaims her story and invites readers to confront the often-taboo tensions between faith, sex and self-expression. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the power of literature to spark dialogue, promote healing, and challenge deeply ingrained beliefs about autonomy, desire, and self-acceptance.

Who Is Sara?

Sara Madderson is the person behind the pen name Elodie Hart, an author of super spicy contemporary romance with side helpings of Catholic trauma and priest kink.

Connect With Us

• You can find all of Sara/Elodie's books on her website - https://elodiehartsaramaddersonshop.myshopify.com/
• You can also connect via Instagram, Facebook or her Facebook group.

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.