• Interview with Karen Witemeyer:
    Jan 10 2025
    On this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly sits down with bestselling author Karen Witemeyer to explore her journey to becoming a beloved name in Christian historical romance. Karen shares how her love of reading inspired her to start writing later in life, the divine moments that shaped her debut, and the creative spark behind her latest series, Texas Ever After. From fairy tale retellings set in the American West to character development, faith, and the power of community, Karen offers a heartfelt glimpse into the stories that have captured readers’ hearts. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with love, faith, and a touch of fairy tale magic! Listen to the episode here. Meet Karen Witemeyer For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX. Visit Karen's website here Here is her monthly contest book giveaway page Facebook Page: The Posse Follow Karen Bible Verses for Encouragement Philippians 1:6, NKJV Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. New Book: Cloaked in Beauty Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit. Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart. Get your copy here today! *As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming to Kickstarter on January 23rd, 2025! Click the link below and check "Notify Me on Launch" to be the first to know when it goes live. Please check out my Kickstarter page and follow for updates.
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    41 mins
  • Interview with Kyle Hunter: Faith, Fiction, and France
    Jan 1 2025
    In this episode, author Kyle Hunter shares her incredible journey from a military upbringing to becoming a writer with a passion for France. Discover how her faith, her experiences as a missionary, and her love for French culture inspire her stories and characters. Kyle also opens up about her creative process, the importance of clean fiction, and the joy she finds in teaching French to others. Whether you’re a writer, a language enthusiast, or a fan of faith-based stories, Kyle’s insights on storytelling, photography, and cultural authenticity are sure to inspire. Don’t miss her encouraging words for aspiring authors about trusting God’s guidance in every step. Listen to the episode here. Meet Kyle Hunter Kyle Hunter is the author of twelve novels of inspirational romance and women’s fiction. Her relatable characters will become like close friends you’ll cheer for and learn from as you join them on their journeys. Story settings range from Europe to small town America. As characters face challenges, the insights they gain are always uplifting and sometimes hard-hitting. Kyle spent thirteen years in France, and she’s intrigued by faraway places. Currently, she lives in North Carolina where she writes fiction, non-fiction (under the pen name K. B. Oliver), and the travel blog OliversFrance.com. She also teaches French to adults. Visit Kyle on her website www.Kyle-Hunter.com and check out her French language books and travel blog here Follow Kyle Bible Verse for Encouragement Psalm 37: 23-24, NKJV The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way, Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand New Book: Postcard from Nice Meghan and Luc’s romance shattered when Luc took a new job in Texas…and neglected to tell Meghan. Eighteen months later, Meghan is still trying to forget him, having fled to a new job in Atlanta. When her boss forces her to take a vacation, she is drawn to Nice, France, where she once spent a blissful week with Luc. She plans to rent the same apartment, which Luc owns. She’ll book through an agency, and he’ll never know. Luc’s beloved grandmother in Nice is dying, and he wants to see her. When he arrives in Nice, she makes a request. She wants something from the apartment where Meghan is staying. He doesn’t know the renter’s identity and never expects to discover the woman he’s never forgotten. Their magnetic attraction isn’t all that resurfaces on the sun-drenched streets of Nice. Old wounds reopen as well. Against the stunning backdrop of the Côte d’Azur, time is running out for Luc’s grandmother and for Meghan, whose vacation is ending soon. Can she and Luc bridge the gap created by distance and misunderstanding? Get your copy today here! Amazon (eBook, paperback) Apple (eBook, audiobook) Nook (Barnes & Noble) eBook Google (eBook) Kobo (eBook) *As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming to Kickstarter on January 23rd, 2025! Click the link below and check "Notify Me on Launch" to be the first to know when it goes live. Please check out my Kickstarter page and follow for updates.
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    43 mins
  • Interview with Ann Swindell: Faith, Fiction, and Empowering Women Writers
    Dec 23 2024
    In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly chats with author Ann Swindell about her journey from nonfiction to fiction writing and her passion for weaving gospel themes into compelling stories. Together, they discuss the spiritual and emotional challenges faced by Ellie, the protagonist in Ann's historical fiction novel Christmas in the Castle Library, as she uncovers the mystery of a missing queen while wrestling with themes of body image, self-worth, and the transformative power of love. Ann also shares insights into blending real history with creative storytelling and her mission to empower women writers through her online ministry, Writing with Grace. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about finding strength in weakness, embracing your unique story, and discovering the redeeming love of God. Listen to the episode here. Meet Ann Swindell ANN SWINDELL writes stories that point to Christ’s presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the author of multiple books and the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family…usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand. Visit Ann at her website: AnnSwindell.com Check out Ann's Writing With Grace ministry Follow Ann Bible Verses for Encouragement 1 John 4:15, NKJV Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. Matthew 6:25, NKJV Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? New Book: Christmas in the Castle Library Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday. Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom. Get your copy today! Available on Amazon or the publisher's website. *As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming to Kickstarter on January 23rd, 2025! Click Notify Me on Launch to get updates when it goes live. Please check out my Kickstarter page and follow for updates.
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    43 mins
  • Interview with Tasha Hackett: Writing Through Life’s Challenges and Embracing Vulnerability
    Dec 18 2024
    In this heartfelt episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly sits down with author Tasha Hackett for a soul-stirring conversation about faith, family, and the power of storytelling. Tasha opens up about her journey as a Christian romance author, the impact of her ADHD diagnosis, and how her own life experiences shape her beautifully flawed and resilient characters. Together, we explore the joys and exhaustion of parenthood, the empowerment of women in her historical narratives, and the healing power of writing through grief and self-acceptance. Tasha also shares the vital role of friendship in her writing process and how reader feedback continues to inspire her creative journey. If you’re a fan of authentic storytelling, historical romance, and heartfelt conversations, this episode is for you! Listen to the episode here. Meet Tasha Hackett Tasha Hackett is a Christian romance author who writes with hope and humor to encourage and entertain. She holds a B.A. in English and English Education with a minor in theatre from York University, where she also married her husband, who was also her best friend. Her debut novel, Bluebird on the Prairie, is a historical romance exploring themes of hope, grief, and finding love again. She is also the author of Wildflower on the Prairie, the second novel in the Hearts of the Midwest series, and Waiting for Gilbert, a small-town holiday romance inspired by Anne of Green Gables. In addition to her writing, Tasha is a dedicated homemaker and mother of four. Balancing her creative endeavors with family life, Tasha continues to craft stories that resonate with readers seeking uplifting and heartfelt romance. Visit Tasha on her website Follow Tasha Bible Verse for Encouragement 1 Peter 2:9, NKJV But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Tasha's New Book: Waiting for Gilbert "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a phone, asking her landlord to come to dinner." Cute and fun Cordelia is history. From now on, I’m serious and focused CJ Thompson. No more snappy one-liners. No more dance-parties-for-one in restaurant booths. Anne-girl is out. Marilla Cuthbert is in. It’s time to grow up!If only it were that easy. With less than two weeks until a massive work deadline, I signed a 12-month lease on a cottage sight-unseen because I couldn’t bear to stay in the city another day after my broken engagement. It’s all well and good until my landlord knocks on my door at two in the morning.Who knew living next to a house-flipping, cello-playing, swooney-smiling, flesh-and-blood man named Gilbert would be so distracting?To Do...17. Finish unpacking18. Drink coffee19. Ask Gilbert to marry me Get your copy today on Amazon or your favorite online retailer! *As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming to Kickstarter on January 23rd, 2025! Please check out my Kickstarter page and follow for updates. Click Notify Me on Launch and be the first to get access to amazing rewards!
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    48 mins
  • Interview with Tessa Afshar: Overcoming Self-Doubt, Trusting God’s Timing, and the Story Behind The Queen’s Cook
    Dec 15 2024
    In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, bestselling author Tessa Afshar shares her incredible journey from growing up in a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East to becoming a beloved Christian author. Tessa opens up about overcoming rejection and self-doubt, leaning on God-confidence rather than self-confidence. She reflects on how her personal scars inspire her storytelling and the healing power of writing. We also dive into the fascinating research process behind her novels, including her latest release, The Queen's Cook. Tessa explores themes of love, purpose, and the struggles of being unequally yoked in relationships, weaving in connections to the biblical story of Esther. This conversation is filled with wisdom on faith, trusting God's timing, and finding anchor points in life. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Listen to the episode here. Meet Tessa Afshar Tessa Afshar’s biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Tessa’s books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book Awards, and are Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Award finalists. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Visit Tessa at her website Follow Tessa Bible Verse for Encouragement Esther 4:14, NKJV: For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? New Book: The Queen's Cook In ancient Persia, the empire’s Jewish citizens face an edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a disgraced Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings. Instead, he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother, Roxannah approaches Adin—the man whose kind eyes still haunt her—to help her find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther, who is herself navigating treacherous palace politics as whispers denounce her inability to produce an heir. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife and Esther’s archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther’s reign hangs in the balance. Get your copy here today! *As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming to Kickstarter on January 23rd, 2025! Please check out my Kickstarter page and follow for updates. Click Notify Me on Launch to be the first to know when it goes live.
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    43 mins
  • Interview with Michelle Griep: Timeless Stories of Faith, Romance, and Adventure
    Dec 11 2024
    In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, host Kelly dives into a heartfelt conversation with author Michelle Griep. From her inspiring writing journey to the challenges of transitioning to historical fiction, Michelle shares how faith, travel, and deep research fuel her creative process. Discover how personal experiences and classic authors like Dickens shape her relatable characters and emotionally resonant stories. Michelle also opens up about her latest book, Of Gold and Shadows, and her innovative Etsy shop, where readers can receive love letters straight from her characters' hearts. If you’re a fan of stories that intertwine faith, romance, and unforgettable moments, this episode is a must-listen! Listen to the episode here. Meet Michelle Griep Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is a Christy Award winning author of historical romances that both intrigue and evoke a smile. She's an Anglophile at heart, and you'll most often find her partaking of a proper cream tea while scheming up her next novel . . . but it's probably easier to find her at MichelleGriep.com Follow Michelle or join her Facebook Group Inspirational Regency Readers Visit Michelle's Etsy shop here Bible Verse for Encouragement Nahum 1:7, NKJV: The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. New Book: Of Gold and Shadows In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces, and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . . Get your copy today on Amazon, Baker Book House, or your favorite retailer. *As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming to Kickstarter on January 23rd, 2025! Please check out my Kickstarter page and follow for updates. Click Notify Me on Launch so you know when it goes live!
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    45 mins
  • Interview with Roseanna M. White: Weaving Faith and History into Heartfelt Stories
    Dec 5 2024
    In this inspiring episode, Kelly welcomes author Roseanna M. White to discuss her lifelong passion for storytelling and her journey as a writer of historical Christian fiction. Roseanna shares the joys and challenges of her career, the vital role of family and friends in her success, and her dual mission of writing as both a career and ministry. Together, they explore the intricacies of crafting stories set in the Edwardian era, with Roseanna offering insights into her creative process, the power of scripture-inspired storytelling, and the extensive research behind her latest works, An Honorable Deception and Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor. Roseanna also opens up about her community, Patrons and Peers, a haven of encouragement for writers and readers, and how it sustained her through her recent battle with cancer. This heartfelt conversation is rich with wisdom, history, and faith, making it a must-listen for fans of Christian romance. Listen to the episode here. Meet Roseanna M. White Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award–winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. Visit Roseanna at her website, www.RoseannaMWhite.com Join Roseanna's community Patrons & Peers here Check out her awesome recipes here Follow Roseanna on social media Bible Verse for Encouragement 1 Samuel 3:19, NKJV: So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. New Release: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime. As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste. Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family’s misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been? Get your copy here New Release: An Honorable Deception In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous. Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to ad...
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    50 mins
  • Interview with Toni Shiloh: Celebrating Love, Faith, and Christmas Romance
    Nov 30 2024
    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Toni Shiloh, a talented Christian romance author with a passion for faith-filled storytelling. Toni opens up about her journey into writing, the feedback she cherishes from readers, and the inspiration behind her latest books, Christmas Catch and A Run at Love. We dive into the creative process, the importance of community and connection, and finding balance through rest in a hectic world. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a devoted reader, Toni’s wisdom and warmth are sure to inspire and uplift. Listen to the episode here. Meet Toni Shiloh Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince won the first ever Christy Amplify award. It has been praised by Oprah Daily, POPSUGAR, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable Group bestseller. Her books have been finalists for the Holt Medallion and won a Selah Award. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. Learn more at www.ToniShiloh.com Follow Toni Bible Verse for Encouragement Psalm 46:10, NKJV, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! New Book: The Christmas Catch When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille "Bebe" Gordon.Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns--for the first time in eight years--all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won't risk him leaving her again. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he's only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year. Get your copy today at Amazon, Baker Book House, or your favorite online retailer! *As an Amazon affiliate I may earn from qualifying purchases A Run at Love A contender running for the rosesAs a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse-racing world. Raised on a Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper's dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.A best friend racing for loveIn an effort to win Piper's heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper's horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner's circle--and each other.A romance worth the challenge"Readers are going to be delighted by this endearing and adorable romance."--Sarah Monzon, author of the Sewing in SoCal series on The Love Script Get your copy on Amazon, Baker Book House, or your favorite retailer today! Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming to Kickstarter on January 23rd, 2025!
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    34 mins