Episode 7 - Author Chat with Michelle Shocklee

11/11/20 • 24 min

Michelle Shocklee stops by the podcast and chats about her life, her writing, and her newest release, Under the Tulip Tree.
Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland’s dreams of a rich and fulfilling life as a writer are dashed when the stock market crashes in 1929. Seven years into the Great Depression, Rena’s banker father has retreated into the bottle, her sister is married to a lazy charlatan and gambler, and Rena is an unemployed newspaper reporter. Eager for any writing job, Rena accepts a position interviewing former slaves for the Federal Writers’ Project. There, she meets Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old woman whose honest yet tragic past captivates Rena.
As Frankie recounts her life as a slave, Rena is horrified to learn of all the older woman has endured—especially because Rena’s ancestors owned slaves. While Frankie’s story challenges Rena’s preconceptions about slavery, it also connects the two women whose lives are otherwise separated by age, race, and circumstances. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation neither woman sees coming?
You can buy the book here.
Liz and Michelle were also part of the novella collection, Mail-Order Brides, which you can buy here.
Visit Liz's website and check out the Christmas novella collection she mentioned, A Joyful Christmas.

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Episode 6 - 2020 Christy Award Finalists

We discuss the historical novels that are finalists in the 2020 Christy Awards. They include:
Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes
Boxes of rocks may hold the secret to healing for two generations of people dealing with tragedy.
The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke
An illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler's mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.
Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson
This stunning novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland’s darkest history and bravest heroes.
My Dearest Dietrich by Amanda Barratt
Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.
The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin
Can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?
The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White
Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.
The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron
A lost painting of Queen Victoria. A library bricked off from the world. And three women, separated by time, whose lives are irrevocably changed.

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Episode 8 - Christmas Novellas

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Love's Pure Light by Suzanne Dietz, Shannon McNear, Janine Rosche, Deb RaneyBe transported to unique time periods as you follow a treasured family nativity set through four generations of the Shepherd family.
Joy to the World by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica VetschIn Joy to the World, three popular authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas in one book have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness.
A Joyful Christmas by Cynthia Hickey, Liz Johnson, Vickie McDonough, Liz Tolsma, Carrie Turansky, and Erica VetschGrab a warm cup of tea and watch as romance is kindled and joy is restored to broken lives during six bygone era Christmas celebrations.
Silver Bell Christmas by Jennifer Lynn CaryShe's learning to live again...
...He wants to leave the past behind
Together they might find love's second chance in their golden years.
A Christmas Wish by Diana Lesire BrandmeyerShe vowed to marry for love. He promised his daughters a mother for Christmas. Time is running out for both of them.
Please don't forget to check out Liz Tolsma's website.