The Because Fiction Podcast
Chautona Havig
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 The Because Fiction Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Because Fiction Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Because Fiction Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Because Fiction Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Episode 51: A Chat with Sarah Sundin
The Because Fiction Podcast
03/16/21 • 36 min
After years of good intentions, I finally read my first Sarah Sundin book, When Twilight Breaks, and oh my word! Amazing book!
This combination book gush and author chat discusses what history has dubbed Kristallnacht, WWII fiction, family inspiration, and When Twilight Breaks in particular.
Just a couple of chapters made me a fan!
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
You’ll Love This Delightful Novel Inspired by Family History
I had a delightful time talking with Sarah Sundin a couple of weeks ago. We discussed war, bigotry, and how family and their stories impact our lives. All because I read the first several chapters of her latest release, When Twilight Breaks, and I’m still gushing about it.
Look, sometimes we hear amazing things about different authors, but for inexplicable reasons, we don’t actually take the time to try one of that author’s books. Maybe we have one or two (or eight) of their books on our shelves or our Kindles (or both!), but somehow we’ve not managed to click the right one before.
Well, today I challenge you to take one of those books and start it! I sure wish I had ages ago.
Sarah Sundin began writing contemporary fiction (that she says should be burned) and a happy (for us, anyway) accident landed a story idea that needed historical fiction to be realistic. The rest is… well, you know.
In When Twilight Breaks author Sarah Sundin shows a side of Nazi Germany we don’t often see.
In a world that cannot imagine the appeal of a man like Adolf Hitler, Sarah Sundin shows how even Brits and Americans could be taken in by the restoration of order, lawfulness, and apparent prosperity in a world that crumbled around them. Germany under the early years of Adolf Hitler was a prosperous place in contrast with the depression the rest of the world endured.
Through amazing characters who will steal your heart, Sarah draws you into that world and makes you cheer, grumble… all the feels. She makes you care about what happens not only to the people but to a country and a people we tend to see as “the enemy.” Sundin humanizes them in a way that I think is important.
Did Germany commit atrocities to the Jews within their reach? Definitely.
So did Stalin. So did other countries to other groups–just as our country did to people before and since that war. It’s the nature of humans to be cruel to those we deem inferior… or at least more inferior than we feel ourselves.
Is it horrible? Yes. But it’s reality.
You can learn more about Sarah Sundin at her WEBSITE. There you’ll find links to her social media accounts including Pinterest boards about her books and research.
That’s something else we discussed–research! From words that are anachronistic to phrases that are much more modern than they sound to how to hotwire a car before cars used keys! Sarah Sundin describes it all.
She even lists just a few amazing WWII fiction authors you might want to try… like Cathy Gohlke, for example.
Oh, and we laughed… a lot. Because, guys? Sarah is funny!
When Twilight Breaks
Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country–or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she’ll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed–and wake up the folks back home.
In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German.
Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party–to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can’t get off his mind.
This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.
Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
The Because Fiction Podcast
09/23/23 • 29 min
I had another lovely conversation with Toni Shiloh last month. Her latest book, The Love Script released and boy does it promise to be another #BookTouchdown! Listen in to what you’ll find in this Love in the Spotlight series and especially in The Love Script.
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
How Many Lies Does It Take to Expose the Truth That Love Brings?Authors tell me over and over that they experience the same things I do when I’m writing. You start helping your characters work through their problems, and as you do, the Lord starts exposing your own. He helps you understand where you need growth and helps pull weeds that try to choke out that growth.
The Love Script has a great twist of someone trying to use a lie to smooth over the gossipy ripples of false reporting (genius way to handle it, eh?) and oh the fall out.
Toni promises we’ll see some great wisdom from Lamont’s mother and some deep truths that Neveah discovers.
The Love Truth by Toni ShilohA Hollywood hair stylist.
Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.
The silver screen’s latest heartthrob.
Lamont Booker’s bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent’s push for a fake relationship–something he never thought he’d consider in a million years.
A love that goes off script.
With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?
You can find out more about Toni on her WEBSITE. Follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.
And don’t forget that you can get 30% off the book with free shipping at BakerBookHouse.com. And you can get You Make It Feel Like Christmas, too!
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:
Episode 317: A Chat with the Amazing Xochitl Dixon
The Because Fiction Podcast
04/02/24 • 46 min
When I met Xochitl Dixon at a Christian Writer's Conference back in like 2017ish, I had no idea that seven or so years later, I'd be chatting with her on my podcast (didn't know what they were back then) about her children's picture books! All I knew was an amazing woman who spent the whole time praying for everyone. She was a blessing then, and she was a blessing the night we had our chat. Listen in and see what I mean.
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
Did You Ever Think, "I Bet God Loves Color?" You Will Now!
Author of the delightful, Different Like Me, Xochitl Dixon has another wonderful children's book available. This one celebrates color and the unique ways those colors represent God's love.
Trust me, you'll never look at gray the same again. Oh, and black! It was my favorite color for a day or two back in third grade (learn why in the interview), and it's kind of my favorite again now. Just sayin'.
Hear Xochil's story about how God used a passion flower to encourage her during difficult times and how picture book came about. Hint: Wisconsin definitely gets some credit and not even #BecauseCheeseCurds!
What Color Is God's Love by Xochitl Dixon
This playful rhyming picture book invites young readers to discover all the ways God’s love can be displayed through a rainbow of colors.
All the colors displayed in this world that God made— every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade— show how good God is and will always be. But what is the color of love? Come and see!
God created all the colors in the world, and in each one, we can discover how great His love is for us and how we can let that love shine to others! With each turn of the page, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple—and explores a different attribute and expression of love through its many shades.
Learn more about Xochitl Dixon on her WEBSITE. Follow her on GoodReads and BookBub!
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:
Episode 55: Three Great New Romantic Suspense Titles
The Because Fiction Podcast
04/03/21 • 53 min
Romantic Suspense is always a fabulous read, and this spring, we've got three fabulous ones to read. I had a short chat with three authors to learn more about their latest books and the series they are a part of. Patricia Bradley, Dana Mentink, and debut author, Kathleen J. Robison each have a fascinating book for us to hear about!
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
3 Great New Romantic Suspense Novels for Your Springtime ReadsThe first of our mini-reviews, today we have three fabulous romantic suspense authors. First up: Patricia Bradley with her latest release, Obsession--part of the Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series.
Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation.
To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed.
Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past and he doesn't intend to let her down again. Especially since her life is on the line. As the threads of the investigation cross and tangle with their own personal history, Sam and Emma have a chance to discover the truth, not only about the victim but about what went wrong in their relationship.
Award-winning author Patricia Bradley will have the hairs standing up on the back of your neck with this nail-biting tale of obsession, misunderstanding, and forgiveness.
Visit her at patriciabradley.com
Mystery and Romantic Suspense Author, Dana MentinkThe first book in a new series, Framed in Death Valley opens the Desert Justice series with a bang!
A killer who will stop at nothing… Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.
From Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Desert JusticeBook 1: Framed in Death Valley
Find her at danamentink.com
Next up is a debut romantic suspense author, Kathleen J. Robison.I'm pleased to know Kathleen from my ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) group. She's a lovely woman with a fabulous talent for storytelling. Like me, she likes to write in a variety of genres, but her heart seems most strongly fixed in romantic suspense.
You can join her newsletter and get her novelette, Essential Ingredients, free. Or, you can order it in paperback from Amazon.
Shattered Guilt by Kathleen J. RobisonWhen they told her about Southern hospitality, no one mentioned human trafficking.
The move to Bay Town, Mississippi was supposed to be a fresh start for single-mom Melanie and her daughter, Lacy. The quiet Southern town offers a nice relief after the frenetic-paced life of Los Angeles, but something sinister lurks beneath the surface.
Her bridal business struggles to take off, and instead of turning to the Lord, Melanie makes a desperate plea for help--from her ex-husband. Lacey and a friend are attacked, and while Lacey is hospitalized, her friend goes missing—a victim of human trafficking out of New Orleans.
With her ex-husband showing true signs of repentance, the pastor she'd begun to fall for taking a step back, and her daughter's friend lost to the animals who stole her, Melanie goes on a desperate, dangerous mission to rescue the girl and get their lives back.
And she'll do it with or without the Lord's help.
How can Melanie find the girls and rescue them without getting caught herself? Why can't she trust the Lord to keep them all safe, and which man in her life is the right one--if either?
Read this heart-gripping, pulse-racing novel and see how the Lord's hand is on us, even when He seems so very far away.
Find her at danamentink.com
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:
Episode 56: A Chat with Erin Bartels about All That We Carried
The Because Fiction Podcast
04/06/21 • 27 min
In Erin Bartels' latest release, All That We Carried, two sisters go on a journey not only of reconciliation but of spiritual discovery as well.
This book spoke to me on so many levels and I can't recommend it enough. Listen as we discuss her why--her heart behind the story and how it still affects me weeks after reading.
Note: Links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
How a Relational Journey Became an Amazing and Beautiful Spiritual OneWhen I received All That We Carried and began reading, I didn't realize that a couple of years earlier, I'd purchased another book by Erin Bartels. That book has been sitting, languishing in my TBR pile since then. I bought it because of the cover--stacks of books with the title, The Words Between Us. How on earth could I not love a book like that?
Yes. I buy books based on covers and titles. I'd tell you to sue me, but I'd really rather you didn't. ;)
Erin Bartels has an almost lyrical quality to her writing but without the disappointing descent into purple prose that some authors end up with. Instead, you're taken on a journey up hills, over rocks, sometimes kicking and screaming, and all the while, she shows the flawed, fragile souls of two people with very different outlooks and yet trapped and mired in the exact same place.
All That We Carried explores relational healing, spiritual awakening, and what forgiveness really means in the nitty-gritty. In the end, you're left satisfied and yet wanting more--more from life, more from relationships, and more of the Lord.
Isn't that what great fiction is all about?
What is All That We Carried by Erin Bartels about?Ten years ago, sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a backcountry hiking trip when their parents were in a fatal car accident. Over the years, they grew apart, each coping with the loss in her own way. Olivia plunged herself into law school, work, and a materialist view of the world--what you see is what you get, and that's all you get. Melanie dropped out of college and developed an online life-coaching business around her cafeteria-style spirituality--a little of this, a little of that, whatever makes you happy.
Now, at Melanie's insistence (and against Olivia's better judgment), they are embarking on a hike in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In this remote wilderness, they'll face their deepest fears, question their most dearly held beliefs, and begin to see that perhaps the best way to move forward is the one way they had never considered.
Michigan Notable Book Award winner Erin Bartels draws from personal experience hiking backcountry trails with her sister to bring you a story about the complexities of grief, faith, and sisterhood.
You can find out more about Erin at Erinbartels.com
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:Or even HERE in my sidebar!
Episode 59: Chat with Suspense Author, Tom Threadgill
The Because Fiction Podcast
05/01/21 • 36 min
Last month, I had the privilege of chatting with Christian author, Tom Threadgill about his Amara series (Collision of Lies and Network of Deceit) and about his Jeremy Winters series (for just a bit). Mostly, I gushed about the awesome characters he's created and the unique situation he gets himself and them into, and he graciously put up with it!
See, here's the thing. Tom's books hold most of my favorite elements!
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.
My Favorite Suspense Books Keep Me Up at Night & My Fingernails TrimmedHold onto your seats, folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride to justice! Want proof? I actually typed "seets." Yeah. That. *rolls eyes at self.*
As I state in the episode, I first learned of Tom Threadgill when I found his first Amara Alvarez book in a Christian bookstore in Indiana--Amish central. Just sayin'. As I'm doing videos about the great store and the books I found, and chat with #1daughter, this poor Amish woman kept glancing my way, probably wondering why I'm so enamored with the title, Collision of Lies.
But seriously, an entire busload of kids are presumed dead... but then not? WHAT?
Tom and I chatted (for far too long... I only recorded about half of it), and boy do we agree on a lot of things about books, writing, and what makes both fun and great.
Call it "discovery" writing, "organic" writing, or the old tried and true, "pantsing," we both tend to start out on a book journey with some kind of idea where WE think we want the story to go and then get to find out if the characters agree or if they have minds of their own. Neither of us are much into gore. Both really hate preaching in books.
As a Christian author, Tom Threadgill hints that his faith might show in his work, but his goal is to provide clean fiction for readers.
He says, and I agree, that good fiction doesn't need profanity and smut, and he wants to provide that for any reader.
Like I often say, keeping a Christian worldview out of a Christian's book is (and probably should be) almost impossible, but his intention isn't to provide spiritual depth but an alternative to the glut of content that readers might be embarrassed to be caught reading.
So what is the Amara Alvarez series about?Take a property crimes officer, put her in a situation out of her element, let her flounder around figuring out how to do this thing, and bam! You have San Antonio's next homicide detective. Tom Threadgill's newest release, Network of Deceit, shows her at her first case as a detective, and whoa... is she thrown to the wolves. The medical examiner is confident the death they've ruled an accident is, in fact, murder. It's her job to prove it. She's not happy, and her boss is giving her very little time to figure out what is going on.
Plus hackers. And life problems.
And seriously, one of my newest and most favorite characters. Starskey. Oh, my. Love this dude. He's such a perfect blend of confidence in his own skin without being obnoxiously arrogant. WOOHOO! Okay, so I really like that medical examiner a lot, too, and we got a hint there might be a lot more of him in the next book. Squee!
So what is Network of Deceit about?After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she's worked for: a transfer to San Antonio's Homicide Division. Reality sets in quickly, though, as her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, brings chaos to her personal life. As the investigation moves forward and she increases the pressure on the suspects, Amara finds herself under attack by cybercriminals. Her every move is being potentially watched online, and she's forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer. With few leads, she fights to keep her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files. Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see that justice is served and lives are protected.
Tom Threadgill also has another series--Jeremy WintersWhile a bit "grittier" than the Amara Alvarez series, Tom assures us that it isn't gory or over-the-top. He doesn't enjoy that himself. I suspect I'll handle it all just fine. In fact, while trying to compare it to other authors, he pointed out that it was a lot tamer than say Ted Dekker. I thought that was helpful.
ALSO! Both of Tom's series are available on audiobook (and Audible folks? You can get the Jeremy Winters as part of your subscription!)
You can find out more about Tom Threadgill on
Episode 63: Historical and Historical Romance Author Chats
The Because Fiction Podcast
05/16/21 • 59 min
The second of our compilation interview episodes (first HERE), this episode features three historical fiction authors. Join me as I chat with Amanda Cabot about her latest release, Dreams Rekindled. I also spoke with Jill Eileen Smith about her latest release, Miriam’s Song. Marguerite Martin Gray discusses her Revolutionary Faith series as well as upcoming new series.
Three authors, three very different writing styles and time periods, and three great books or series to keep you entertained and encouraged for hours!
And as I studied the different stories, time periods and themes, I realized something important about historical fiction.
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you
All Great Historical Fiction Has One Thing in CommonIt teaches us how no matter how different times and places are, people remain the same. We love, grieve, hate, fear… People wage war and reconcile. We sin and repent. In the end, all we have is faith or we flounder trying to understand why life is the way it is.
In today’s episode, I spoke with three authors and learned what they wrote, why, and got to know a little bit about each of them. First up:
Amanda Cabot and her Mesquite Springs SeriesThough she hopes for a quiet, uncomplicated life for herself, Dorothy Clark wants nothing more than to stir others up. Specifically, she dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers–until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.
Brandon Holloway has seen the disastrous effects of challenging others and has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he’s committed to making a new–and completely uncontroversial–start in the Hill Country.
As Dorothy’s involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon’s heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who’s determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon’s livelihood.
With this second novel in the Mesquite Springs series, bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you to discover the healing power of truth.
You can find out more about Amanda, sign up for her newsletter, and follow her on social media from her WEBSITE.
Next up! Jill Eileen Smith and her Biblical Fiction in Miriam’s SongIn her eventful lifetime, Miriam was many things to many people: protective older sister, song leader, prophetess, leper. But between the highs and the lows, she was a girl who dreamed of freedom, a woman who longed for love, a leader who made mistakes, and a friend who valued connection.
With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic story to fill in the gaps and imagine how Miriam navigated the challenges of holding on to hope, building a family in the midst of incredible hardship, and serving as a leader of a difficult people, all while living in her brother’s shadow. Follow Miriam’s journey from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises he provides–in his own perfect timing.
You can find out more about Jill, sign up for her newsletter, and follow her on social media from her WEBSITE.
And last but not least, Marguerite Martin Gray and her Revolutionary Faith SeriesA town besieged by the enemy with just one Sovereign order: wait.
Charles Town, South Carolina, 1780
With the inevitable occupation of Charles Town by the British pounding at the gates, Louis Lestarjette braces for possible imprisonment or worse. How can he provide for his growing family with the evil chains of the enemy binding his source of existence? The scenarios of imprisonment and starvation force him to realize he has no control over the outcome of the stronghold of the British. All that remains is a sense of survival at almost any cost.
Elizabeth Lestarjette faces looming confinement with both a drive to protect her children and a desire to do her part to undermine the enemy. They must thwart the British plans to imprison more men, ...
Episode 72: A Chat with Historical Romance author, Ann H. Gabhart
The Because Fiction Podcast
06/22/21 • 37 min
I'm so excited about this week's interview with author Ann H. Gabhart. I've loved her work for years, so when I learned that she wrote a book about the packhorse librarians of the Depression era, Along a Storied Trail, I knew I was going to love it. Ann + librarians? What's not to love?
Ann talks about the WPA programs of the time and how those play a part in this delightful story!
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me a small commission at no extra expense to you.
If You Love Books and History, This Is the Book for YouWritten in her typically engaging style, Ann H. Gabhart's latest release, Along a Storied Trail, touches hearts and minds alike. Rich characterization, fine attention to historic detail, and a love of the area and its history shows on every page. Listen to where Ann got the idea for the book, who her favorite character was to write, and some of the things she learned as she wrote the story. You won't be sorry.
I couldn't help but draw a parallel between how literacy was a big deal in turn of the 20th-Century Kentucky and how librarians came along twenty years later. You can see what I'm talking about in Episode 49.
Ann and I also chatted about her other books, and does she have a fabulous catalog of them. From her Hidden Springs Mysteries (where I was introduced to her), to a series about the Shakers, to the other books in her Appalachian series, Ann has variety and consistency on her side.
About Along a Storied TrailKentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?
Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.
As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?
Saddle up for a heartfelt story of love--love of family, love of place, and the love of a lifetime--from bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart.
Some of the other books/series we discussed were:The Heart of Holy Hill (The Scent of Lilacs etc.)
The Refuge (The one about the Shakers)
You can learn more about Ann H. Gabhart on her WEBSITE where you can find her links to social media as well!
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:If you’d like to be on the Because Fiction Podcast, please go HERE and submit your topic idea! I’d love to hear about it.
Episode 74: A Chat with Contemporary Christian Romance Author, Becky Wade
The Because Fiction Podcast
06/29/21 • 45 min
If her books aren’t entertaining enough, just a chat with Becky Wade will keep you on your intellectual toes as you navigate tough topics and realistic romance–all while chuckling, no less. Becky Wade’s latest book, Let It Be Me, will have you cracking up from the first page.
Great and realistic sibling relationships, puzzling DNA results, a mystery she’s not sure she wants to solve, and a relationship she’s not sure she’s capable of investing in. WHAT ISN’T TO LOVE?
Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. How Many Awesome Authors Have I Been Missing Out On?Too many I assure you, but I’m not missing out on another one of Becky Wade’s books. This popular Christian romance author won the Christy Book of the Year award (and has the cool story to prove it!).
I’ve heard of the amazingness of Becky’s books since my first days at Avid Readers of Christian Fiction on Facebook. Since then, a week–often even just a day–doesn’t go by without someone saying, “Oh... read...”
So when I got word that I would be interviewing Becky, I pulled out her latest book and got to reading.
Two sentences people. TWO SENTENCES. She’s a genius with those two sentences. (And if you want to know why this is brilliant, listen to the episode. Those opening sentences MATTER).
The Misty River Romance series has a killer premise with a fascinating inspiration. Remember those kids trapped in that cave in Thailand a few years back? Yeah. Find out how they inspired this series and the AMAZING backstory it has.
Hint: you’ll want to read book one. Just sayin’.One of the things I loved most about our conversation was when she talked about how she puts the “hard stuff” in her books. PTSD, addiction, dysfunctional families... you name it, she’s got it (or will by the time we’re done tormenting her over a hot keyboard!).
About Let It Be MeThe one woman he wants is the one he cannot have. Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he’s tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery–Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.
Leah’s a math prodigy who’s only ever had one big dream–to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she’s not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.
When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian’s help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they’re drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life–like love–can’t be explained with numbers.
You can learn more about Becky Wade on her WEBSITE where you can find her links to social media as well! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:If you’d like to be on the Because Fiction Podcast, please go HERE and submit your topic idea! I’d love to hear about it.
Episode 292: A Chat with Middle-Grade Author, Amanda Trumpower
The Because Fiction Podcast
01/17/24 • 37 min
Chatting with Amanda Trumpower (finally!) yesterday was a whole lot of fun. She has fun, adventure-filled middle-grade fiction that is available on eBook, in print, and in audiobook! Listen in to why she writes Christian middle-grade adventure and what kind of stories you'll get from her!
note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you
Are You Ready for a Great Middle-Grade Superhero Adventure?Folks who know me know I love a good middle-grade book. What I didn't know is that a middle-grade author would suddenly have me wanting to watch old Batman shows so I could get a feel for the slapstick/campy tone of her Christian middle-grade adventure series. Come on, a superhero dog who feels just a little like Superman with his journalistic endeavors and disappearances whenever something goes off?
Talking with Amanda about her series and the very defined goals for what would be included in them told me this was exactly what a lot of parents are looking for. Books with no foul language, no intense violence, and no sexualization of characters. Sign me up! I loved that she just put that out there and didn't apologize. I also loved that she added other things she isn't going to promote in her series so that parents who are looking for books with those things (or without!) they wouldn't be disappointed.
So, if you miss the "good old days" of TV shows where you don't see blood spurting three feet when someone gets his nose broken in a slug fight or a busty rabbit trying to seduce a lecherous... some other anthropomorphic critter, but do want fun superhero adventure, Amanda Trupower has the series for you. Two of them, in fact! Don't miss her detective series Collar Cases! Lots of great reads for
Check out Amanda's Kickstarter Campaign! You can get some special swag and stuff with the books you buy and help ensure more new books come out to keep good fun-filled middle-grade fiction available for kids.
Power Pup Meets Riptide by Amanda TrumpowerCalvin Quinn is a long way from the corn fields of Nebraska.
The rookie canine reporter dreams of bringing criminals to justice with his front page headlines, while working alongside famous investigative journalist team Mittens Meow and Alex Digger.
But Calvin has a secret.
He doesn't fight crime with pencil, paper, and reporter's instinct alone.
He also fights crime with superpowers.
After months of training, Calvin Quinn is ready to hit the streets and defend the innocent as . . . Power Pup!
Don't miss the first two Power Pup books available on Amazon or from Amanda Trumpower 's WEBSITE.
Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Because Fiction Podcast have?
The Because Fiction Podcast currently has 409 episodes available.
What topics does The Because Fiction Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Christianity, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts, Books and Arts.
What is the most popular episode on The Because Fiction Podcast?
The episode title 'Episode 31: A Chat with Amanda Tru' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Because Fiction Podcast?
The average episode length on The Because Fiction Podcast is 37 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Because Fiction Podcast released?
Episodes of The Because Fiction Podcast are typically released every 3 days, 22 hours.
When was the first episode of The Because Fiction Podcast?
The first episode of The Because Fiction Podcast was released on Apr 4, 2020.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ