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Jill Eileen Smith returns to the show this week to talk about her new book, Dawn of Grace. Among other things, we talk about her move from women of the Old Testament to women of the New Testament, what it means for God to call us by name, and what kind of games she likes to play on her phone. Patrons hear about who took the beautiful pictures of her trips on her website.

Dawn of Grace by Jill Eileen Smith

She's been pulled up from the depths of despair--but what happens when the hope she has found slips from her grasp?

From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow--until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.

Now Mary's one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she'll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.

On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear--and Jesus makes all things new.

Get your copy of Dawn of Grace.

JILL EILEEN SMITH IS THE BESTSELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF MANY BIBLICAL NOVELS, INCLUDING HER FIRST SERIES THE WIVES OF KING DAVID.

Her upcoming release Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s Story, will hit the shelves in February 2025.

After twenty years of closed doors, she has published 24 books, fiction and nonfiction, and had one of those books optioned for film. She loves Jesus and His Word and all things related to learning more about the culture and times of the people of the Bible, particularly the women, whom God has immortalized there.

While she loves writing and researching, she is willingly interrupted by her west-coast children and adorable grandchildren. Traveling to Israel was a highlight of her life, but traveling west is her new favorite vacation location. When she’s not packing her bags, she can be found reading stories that take her away, playing too many games and puzzles on her phone (call it down time), or snuggling her lovable, mischievous cats Kody and Kaelee.

Her favorite verse is Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” She has been married to the love of her life for 47 years and counting and lives in a quiet neighborhood in southeast Michigan.

Visit Jill's website.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Elizabeth Camden makes a return appearance on the show this week, talking about When Stars Light the Sky. We chat about life in Berlin during WWI, the difference between academic and fiction publishing, and what she thinks about some of her reviews. Patrons will hear about her favorite Hitchcock movie.

When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden

In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.

Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.

As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.

Praise for Elizabeth Camden
"This intriguing and unique story took so many twists and turns, I couldn't look away--a must read!"--GABRIELLE MEYER, bestselling author on While the City Sleeps

"What a fascinating, multifaceted adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed traipsing all over New York City, from posh hotels to subway tunnels to the harbor and all points between."--JOCELYN GREEN, Christy Award-winning author on While the City Sleeps

For fans of the enemies-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, and workplace romance tropes, When Stars Light the Sky is a clean Gilded Age romance that will sweep you off your feet.

Get your copy of When Stars Light the Sky.

Elizabeth Camden is a research librarian at a small college in central Florida. Her novels have won the coveted RITA and Christy Awards. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband near Orlando, Florida.

Visit Elizabeth's website.

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KyLee Woodley joins us this week. I've had to change things around a little due to scheduling conflicts, but you're going to enjoy this conversation about her book, The Bandit's Redemption. We talk about what got her into writing, what a lab school is, and how her early life influenced her writing. Patrons will hear what she sees as differences between the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up, and Texas, where she lives now.

The Bandit's Redemption by KyLee Woodley

A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard.

Life in the American West hasn't been easy for French refugee Lorraine Durand. She has precious few connections and longs to return to her native land. So when the man who rescued her from a Parisian uprising following the Franco-Prussian War persuades her to help him with a deadly holdup, she reluctantly agrees. Despite his promises otherwise, the gang kidnaps a man, forcing Lorraine to grapple with the fallout of her choices even as she is drawn to the captive she's meant to guard.

Jesse Alexander must survive. If not for himself, then for the troubled sister he left behind in Los Angeles. At the mercy of his captors, he carefully works to earn Lorraine’s trust, hoping he can easily subdue her when the time comes. But as they navigate the treacherous wilderness and he searches for his opportunity to escape, he realizes there may be more to her than he first believed.

With danger lurking at every turn, they must decide whether to trust each other enough to plan a combined escape or risk falling prey to the gang’s devious schemes.

Get your copy of The Bandit's Redemption by KyLee Woodley

KyLee Woodley teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas where she lives with her husband of 18 years and their three teenage children. Having been raised in the Pacific Northwest and spent part of her adult life in Texas, she has a deep respect for American values. She grew up in an impoverished area and began ministering to homeless, drug addicted, and desperate people while in her teens. As a result, she feels a deep sense of concern for society’s unloved. This comes through in her stories, enriched with historical detail that shows how loving the unlovely is a timeless need. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show—a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.

In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky Dog—a feisty feline named Hazel, and two adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books to her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband who might resemble Superman.

Visit KyLee's website.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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AI and fiction. What do they have to do with each other? Maybe more than you think. In this week's episode, I discuss how I, as an author and editor, use AI, what are some benefits and drawbacks of it for authors, and how readers may use it and what they should be aware of. AI is here to stay, whether we like it or not, and it's wise to be knowledgeable about it and to know what to look for and what to avoid. AI and fiction can and will co-exist.

These are the two articles I reference in the episode. They are well worth a read.

She Reads: https://shereads.com/how-will-ai-impact-reading/

Writer's Digest: https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/think-ai-is-bad-for-authors-the-worst-is-yet-to-come

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Heather Kaufman joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her newest release, Before the King. We chat about what got her interested in writing novels instead of nonfiction, how she manages to write fiction in which Jesus makes an appearance, and what is the best part of living in St. Louis. Patrons will hear what she would love to do if she wasn't writing - and if she had the talent for it!

Before the King by Heather Kaufman

"Heather Kaufman is a truly fresh voice in biblical fiction."--TESSA AFSHAR, bestselling author

"A beautifully told and imagined story of secrets, faith, love, and devotion. With a compelling plot and cast of characters, Before the King is a tale not to be missed."--TOSCA LEE, New York Times bestselling author

Joanna's wealthy family aspires to Herod's inner circle, but when her father's esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.

Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.

Get your copy of Before the King by Heather Kaufman.

Heather Kaufman is the author of Up from Dust: Martha’s Story and Before the King: Joanna’s Story, the first two books in her Women of the Way series with Bethany House Publishers. A former editor turned writer, Heather worked eight years in the publishing industry while earning her master’s degree and spinning tales late into the night. When she fell in love with studying the Bible through a cultural lens, the words of Scripture came springing to life, and Jesus became even more astoundingly beautiful. Now she crafts stories that imaginatively enter the lives of biblical characters and compel readers deeper into the Bible. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

Visit Heather's website.

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Laura DeNooyer is our guest on the show this week, her first time with us. We discuss her new book, A Hundred Magical Reasons, including why she has long been fascinated with L. Frank Baum, what her research was like for the book, and the importance of teachers in encouraging their students' dreams. Related to that, patrons will hear a little more about her teaching career.

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer

Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon, the disgruntled town recluse, is eighty-eight and has grown weary of fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband’s name of a 1918 crime.

Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.

During 1980, the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.

As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.

In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?

Get your copy of A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer.

Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and an award-winning author of heart-warming historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels are perfect for fans of Patti Callahan Henry, Erin Bartels, or Heidi Chiavaroli. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Naomi Stephens is a first-time guest on the podcast, but this isn't her first book. She stops by to chat about her latest release, The Burning of Rosemont Abbey. We talked about why she chose to set it in 1956, what she loves about the fashion of the time, and how she was able to write a mystery that has a lightness to it. Patrons will learn what her favorite place to live has been.

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens

Everyone in Wilbeth Green has something to hide, but she's about to uncover their secrets.

1956: In a quiet English village, the smoldering ruins of Rosemont Abbey have set the residents' tongues wagging, and everyone is quick to accuse troublemaker Paul Everly of the crime of arson. Paul has vanished without a trace, leaving only his plucky twin sister, Louisa, certain of his innocence. Fueling her conviction is an inexplicable connection--she felt her twin's death an hour before the abbey went up in flames.

Armed with nothing but her wit and her keen sense of intuition, Louisa embarks on her own investigation, challenging the dubious townspeople and the disdain of her aunt and uncle. Even Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, once Paul's closest friend, warns Louisa to abandon her pursuit. But Louisa is determined to solve a murder no one else believes was committed, even if it means unraveling secrets that could shake Wilbeth Green to its core.

"A thrilling and beautifully written tale from start to finish, filled with a strong sense of time, deft characterization, and more than enough twists to keep one guessing. Readers will be as hard-pressed as I was to put this one down once they begin."--ANNA LEE HUBER, USA Today bestselling author

"What an absolute delight of a novel! Naomi Stephens has a new fan in me!"--SARAH SUNDIN, Christy Award-winning author

"An English murder mystery set in the 1950s, plus a friends (and sometimes enemies)-to-more romance? Naomi Stephens is an author to watch!"--JULIE KLASSEN, bestselling author

Get a copy of The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens.

Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

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Her first novel, Shadow among Sheaves, was an Inspy Award shortlist contender and winner of the 2020 Carol Award in Debut Fiction. In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight!​

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Though she's called many places home over the years, she currently lives in New York with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking

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Liz Tolsma (that's me!) is the guest this week. My niece Becca makes her annual stop on the podcast to interview me about my latest release, What I Left for You. We discuss who the Lemko people in Poland were, why they are important to both of us, and where hope shines through in the dark circumstances of this story. Patrons get to hear about my sweet little dog.

What I Left for You by Liz Tolsma
A Family's Ties Were Broken in Poland of 1939

1939 Helena Kostyszak is an oddity—an educated female ethnic minority lecturing at a university in Krakow at the outbreak of WWII. When the Germans close the university and force Jews into the ghetto, she spirits out a friend's infant daughter and flees to her small village in the southern hills. Helena does everything in her power to protect her family, but it may not be enough. It will take all of her strength and God's intervention for both of them to survive the war and the ethnic cleansing to come.

2023 Recently unengaged social worker McKenna Muir is dealt an awful blow when a two-year-old she's been working with is murdered. It's all too much to take, so her friend suggests she dive into her family's past like she's always wanted. Putting distance between herself and her problems might help her heal, so she and her friend head on Sabbatical to Poland. But what McKenna discovers about her family shocks everyone, including one long-lost family member.

Get your copy of What I Left for You

Passionate might best describe Liz Tolsma. She loves writing and researching historical fiction, and editing for other authors. Her passion shines through in her writing, many of her novels being award finalists or award winners. On any given day, you might find her pulling weeds in her perennial garden, walking her hyperactive dog, or curled up with a good book. Nothing means more to her than her family. She’s married to her high-school sweetheart, and they live in the Wisconsin countryside. They are now blessed with three grown children, including a son, daughter, and daughter-in-law who are all US Marines and a daughter with special needs who brightens their days.

Visit Liz Tolsma's website.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify