Historical Fiction: Unpacked

In today’s episode, I’m happy to host engineer-turned-mystery-writer Lisa E. Betz for the second time. We’re talking about the latest installment in her Livia Aemelia Mystery series, Fountains and Secrets , which released in January. We spoke about Rome’s elaborate water system, Lisa’s love of Ancient Rome, the roles of women in that time period, as well as the Roman...

Today I’m sharing a conversation with Kerry Chaput. Her latest novel, Daughter of the King , released in December. It’s about a fascinating little gem of Canadian history that I knew nothing about! Here’s the description: La Rochelle France, 1661. Fierce Protestant Isabelle is desperate to escape persecution by the Catholic King. Every day she defies the powers that threaten to d...

Tracie Peterson is on the show today! Often called the “Queen of Historical Fiction,” she is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, most of them historical. Today we talk about her new series, Love on the Santa Fe, and specifically the second installment, Beyond the Desert Sands , which released July 5. We discuss her love for the railroad, her mission in...

Today I’m excited to share a conversation I had with New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis. Her most recent book, The Magnolia Palace , released in January. In this episode, we talk about the beautiful setting for the novel, The Frick Collection in New York City, as well as the Frick family and the unique characters in this novel. The protagonist was based on a real life artist’s model, Au...

Jody Hedlund is back on the show talking about the latest installment in her Waters of Time series. Never Leave Me was released in January and continues the story started in 2021’s  Come Back to Me . Jody and I discuss how she decided on the genetic disease that would play a role in this series, how characters with limitations live life to the fullest, and how she grew into such a prolific w...

Today I’m sharing a conversation I had with author Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. Sarah and I discuss her novels, most of which feature American Indians. She is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma herself. Not only did she speak to me in Choctaw, we talked about her story of surrendering everything to God, how he gave her writing back to her, and her Choctaw heritage of faith. We discuss why...

Today I’m sharing a conversation with Terry Roberts about his book My Mistress’ Eyes Are Raven Black , a hard-boiled detective story set on Ellis Island in the 1920s. Terry and I discuss the idea that lead him to write this novel: the human “need” to look down on or despise the “other.” We also talk about the real-life inspiration behind the story and the proble...

Today I’m sharing a conversation I had with Scott Gates, whose latest novel, Gone, the Redeemer , just released June 15, 2022. We discuss the difficult task of acquiring an agent, how historical facts can derail the planned plot of a novel, and what it’s like to write in different genres. Scott grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and has worked as a writer and editor in Colorado, Virginia,...

Today’s episode is a conversation with Rachel Fordham. Her latest novel, Where the Road Bends , released Tuesday, June 7. We discuss the lessons apparent in this book, what it’s like to write contemporary after writing historical fiction, and how she uses the five love languages in her novels. Here’s a description of the novel, from Revell: For Norah King, her family land is all...

Today’s episode is a unique and fascinating one! Jim and I discuss his historical novel, Hunting Teddy Roosevelt , about an attempt on Roosevelt’s life orchestrated by J.P. Morgan. Jim had a lot to say about industrialists Morgan, Carnegie, and Hearst. We talked about the political climate of their day and how Jim tackled the tricky task of writing a fictional tale about real historica...

Today I’m sharing a conversation with Amanda Cox. We discuss her latest book, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery and how this novel brought out the dynamic between mothers and daughters. We also talk about her background in counseling and how that affects the development of characters in her books. Here’s a description of the novel, from Revell: How do you respond when hidden thin...

  Today’s episode is a long-overdue chat with Joanna Politano about her book A Midnight Dance . We discuss how Joanna comes up with the intricate mysteries in her books, what was going on in France during the Victorian era, and how she went from knowing nothing about dance to being able to write a book set in the Victorian ballet. Purchase A Midnight Dance  on Amazon (affiliate). Purcha...

Karin Tanabe and I talked about her book,  A Woman of Intelligence , which released last summer. In this episode, Karin shares that she wanted to write about the difficult aspects of motherhood. We also discuss the inspiration for her novel, the fact that the protagonist is based in part on American spy Elizabeth Bentley , and how historical fiction is a lovely way to learn about history. Purchase...

Milree Latimer is a Canadian expat from Ontario who currently lives in central Oregon. On today’s show, we talk about her latest book, Out of Place , which released last year. We discuss Irish Home Children, PTSD, and the importance of person-to-person research as well as Milree’s own story of finding a second chance at love and a new career as an author. Purchase Out of Place  on Amaz...

Today’s episode is a BONUS episode! I talked with debut author Janyre Tromp about her novel Shadows in the Mind’s Eye . This book deals with combat PTSD after the Second World War, and Janyre is a fount of knowledge about PTSD, anxiety, and panic disorder. You don’t want to miss this fantastic conversation, which I’m sharing today in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month....

Like last week’s episode, this episode focuses on nature. Ann H. Gabhart was a delight to speak with. Her sweet southern accent soothes the soul. Our discussion ranged from ravens delivering gifts to little girls to the way the Lord uses nature to heal our pain if we allow him to. Ann’s newest book, When the Meadow Blooms , releases next Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Get it via the links below...

Regina Scott is the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance. A lover of history, she has driven four-in-hand, sailed on a tall ship, and learned to fence. In today’s conversation, we talk about her novel A View Most Glorious , which released last October, and was inspired by Fay Fuller, who was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Rainier. Purchase A View Most...

Today’s conversation is with Todd M. Johnson. He has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Todd’s passion for writing blends well with his legal career, and his novels are drawn closely from his personal experiences as a trial lawyer. We talk about the real life inspiration for his novel, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque , why this book is set during the Regency Period, and how...

Today I’m sharing a conversation with multi-published award-winning author Renee Ryan. Her novel The Widows of Champagne released last July. “For readers of Lilac Girls and The Lost Girls of Paris comes a captivating novel of resilience, as three generations of women battle to save their family’s vineyard during WWII.” In this episode, we discuss the themes in Renee’s books...

Today’s episode is a conversation with Adele Myers, author of The Tobacco Wives . We discuss the tobacco industry’s deceitful ad campaign, along with Adele’s family history, which inspired this novel. Adele Myers grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She currently works in advertising and lives in B...

Today I’m bringing you a conversation with USA Today Bestselling author Misty M. Beller. The first installment in her Brides of Laurent Series, A Warrior’s Heart , released last August. Misty and I talked about how this series was inspired by a podcast about Viking Shield Maidens as well as why she loves the Rocky Mountains and keeps writing about them. Here’s a description of A...

On this St. Patrick’s Day, I bring you a conversation with Jennifer Deibel about her newest book, The Lady of Galway Manor , which released in February From the publisher (Revell): New to the historical romance genre, novelist Jennifer Deibel made her mark on readers in 2021 with A Dance in Donegal , a stunning debut full of romance and mystery in the lush Irish countryside. Influenced by he...

Today I’m sharing a conversation with debut author Crystal Caudill. Crystal and I met last year when we both decided to join Kimberly Duffy’s Bible Recap group. Crystal’s debut novel, Counterfeit Love , releases next Tuesday, so we talk about where she got the idea for her novel, what kind of research she did, and how she became a writer even though she didn’t really want t...

Today I share a conversation with historical fiction author Laura Frantz. I also had Laura on the show in late 2020. You can find that episode here . Today we discuss her newest book, A Heart Adrift . We also talk about the history of Acadia and how we can learn from our mistakes throughout history Here’s a description of Laura’s novel from Revell, the publisher: Award-winning author L...

Today’s conversation is a great one. I talked with Sarah Sundin about her latest release, Until Leaves Fall in Paris . The novel tells the story of American expat Lucie Girard during WWII. Lucie stays in Paris during the German occupation to run a bookstore for her Jewish friends who’ve wisely decided to find a safer place to reside. Lucie’s story was inspired by Sylvia Beach of...