Christian Historical Fiction Talk Liz Tolsma

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Terri Wangard joins us this week on the podcast to talk about her new WWII novel, Seashells in My Pocket. In addition to chatting about the book, we talk about her interesting day job, her extensive knowledge WWII-era planes, and how she infuses humor into what can be a very dark time period. Patrons get to hear about the one place in the world she wishes she could travel to.

Seashells in My Pocket by Terri Wangard

German-Brazilian Isabel Neumann delights in creating seashell art, but it’s her mathematical ability that lands her a job at the American air base in Natal, northern Brazil during World War II. She doesn’t need a calculator to determine the correct weights and balances for the Air Transport Command’s cargo planes.
Daniel Lambert, an American transport pilot based at Natal, endures the taunts of combat pilots that he is “allergic to combat.” His flying skills win him respect, however, and his friendship with Isabel deepens, even as a new source of trouble looms.
Isabel is caught in the crosshairs of a German saboteur who is obsessed with her. He insists that she belongs with him, and demands that she help him sabotage the Allied base. Her growing relationship with Daniel angers the Nazi, who will do anything to get rid of him. What will happen to Isabel if the madman captures her?

Get your copy of Seashells in My Pocket by Terri Wangard.


More about Terri:
I grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. My first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days I’m writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, I live in Wisconsin. My research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.

Visit Terri Wangard's website. 

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Humorous books. We all love them from time to time, to give us a break from our troubles. They are what reading is all about - escapism. This week, we talk about books that make out laugh out loud. Discover some new authors, some old favorites, and a few surprises.

Angela Bell
A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures

Pepper Basham
The Juliet Code
The Mistletoe Countess
The Cairo Curse

Mary Connealy
Forged in Love
The Laws of Attraction
Marshaling Her Heart

Karen Witemeyer
Fairest of Heart
If the Boot Fits
Cloaked in Beauty

Lynn Austin
A Proper Pursuit

Regina Jennings
Courting Misfortune
Proposing Mischief
Engaging Deception

Grace Hitchcock
My Dear Miss Dupre
Her Darling Mr. Day
His Delightful Lady Delia

Penny Zeller
Forgotten Memories
Dreams of the Heart
When Love Comes
Love's Promise

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Jocelyn Green returns to the podcast after a bit of an absence, so it was great to catch up with her and talk about her new book, The Hudson Collection. We discussed how she drew such rich and layered characters, how Flaco the Owl in Central Park inspired her while writing the book, and why you don't want to tango with crows. Patrons get to hear about her favorite writing pants and where you can pick up a pair.

The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green

Step into the beguiling world of 1926 New York and discover the power of resilience, friendship, and love from award-winning author Jocelyn Green.

Elsa Reisner's lifelong dream of working as an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History is fading as the job begins to drain her passion. But fate takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to catalog the bequest of a recently deceased patron whose Gothic country mansion holds secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered.

As Elsa delves into her task, she forms an unlikely bond with the estate's delightful gardener and her daughter, as well as an architectural salvage dealer who still bears scars from the Great War. Together, they embark on a thrilling treasure hunt for a missing relic intended to safeguard the servants' futures before the estate is sold. At the same time, Elsa's body seems to betray her with new symptoms from a childhood disease that isn't through with her yet.

With the brooding veteran and her handsome colleague joining the search, Elsa must navigate the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives along with the changing state of her health. As her deadline looms ever closer, will she be able to secure a new life for her friends before the estate slips from their grasp?

Get your copy of The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green.

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, pie, the color red, and reading with a cup of tea. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com. 

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I am so pleased to welcome Sarah Thomas Loudin to the podcast this week to talk about her new book, "These Tangled Threads." We chat about her time at the Biltmore, the Jan Karon Museum and what her role is there, why she first shied away from writing books set in real places, and why living in Appalachia is so wonderful. Patrons will get to hear her brag about her dog Thistle. 

These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her. 

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored. 

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances.

Get your copy of These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas.

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her historical fiction is often set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia.
Sarah is the director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Right Kind of Fool–winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year–and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live in western North Carolina.

Visit Sarah's website.

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Tracie Peterson returns to the show this week, and it's always a delight to have her. We chatted about her new book, A Love Discovered. She shared why she decided to write a marriage of convenience story, why she chose Cheyenne as the setting for this new series, and what she would ask a reader if she could. Patrons get to hear about her long-ago pen name and why she chose one. That was a very interesting discussion we had on that topic. 

A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson

The heart finds its way when one least expects it--even in the most unforgiving frontiers.

Invited by a friend to trek west and help establish the newly formed town of Cheyenne, Edward Vogel is prepared to leave the haunting memories of his wife and son's deaths behind him. The only problem is the corrupt new railroad town wants family men who can establish law and order, and desperation leads Edward to his friend Marybeth with a proposition of marriage.

After her father's death leaves her with no means of support, Marybeth Kruger is in danger of having her two-year-old half sister taken from her. So when Edward Vogel, the widower husband of her late best friend, offers her a marriage of convenience to escape both their troubles, she has no choice but to accept.

Life in Cheyenne is fraught with danger, but will this arrangement be enough to save Edward and Marybeth from the pasts they tried to escape? Or will life with each other put them--and their hearts--in more danger than ever?

Get a copy of A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson.

Tracie Peterson gave her life to Jesus at the age of six. Tracie knew at an early age that God was calling her to ministry, and writing for Him has allowed her to offer the Gospel message and encourage people to hope in the Lord. Her motto in writing, as well as all other aspects of life is Soli Deo Gloria—For God Alone the Glory.
Often called the “Queen of Historical Christian Fiction,” Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today best-selling author of more than 110 books, most of those historical. Her work in historical fiction earned her the Best Western Romance Author of 2013 award from True West magazine and the USA Best Books 2011 Award for best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love. She was given the Life Time Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers in 2011 and the Career Achievement Award in 2007 from Romantic Times, as well as multiple best book awards.Tracie received her first book contract in November 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. Eventually, Tracie also managed Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents book line—overseeing the production of 52 books a year.
In December 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Tracie’s daughter Jennifer.
Tracie, a Kansas native, now makes her home with her husband, Jim, in the mountains of Montana.

Visit Tracie's website.

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Do you think authors don't like libraries because you aren't buying their books then? Well, this episode might just change your mind, because we discuss ten reasons why authors love libraries - and why you should too. So tune in for this unique topic and learn why libraries have been pivotal in so many authors' lives.