The Because Fiction Podcast

Chautona Havig
  • 4.9 (23)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Because Fiction Podcast

Exploring Christian Fiction from its early days to the most anticipated upcoming books. We love all fiction that points the reader to Jesus. Let's talk books!

  1. DEC 6

    A Chat with Laurie Christine about Dragon Slayer Bible Stories

    When I heard about Laurie Christine's Dragon Slayer Bible series, I was so excited.  I mean, Bible stories retold as fantasy elements?  Listen in and learn what happens with Seth, the third named son of Adam and Eve goes on a quest to find out more about this Chosen One and how to defeat this dragon. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.   My brain is going into over-drive as I consider all the things that Laurie Christine could do with this series.  The lineage of Christ's stories told as fantasy as the world falls further from Eden and needs their Savior more each day. All in a world of beasts and dragons and... Oh, my!  Buckle up, it's going to be a great ride... um, read!  And Christmas is coming, so if you've got a kid on your list who has "everything," I bet this is something he didn't know he wanted or something she didn't know she needed. Garden of Mysteries by Laurie Christine  An ancient curse. An invisible dragon. A mysterious prophecy. Seth’s parents have secrets they won’t share with him. Why did the King kick them out of the garden and curse the land? And can the curse be broken? Finding answers to Seth’s questions will prove more dangerous than he imagined. Can he discover the truth before the dragon destroys him? Frank Peretti meets The Jesus Storybook Bible in this action-packed biblical fiction story that will inspire readers to identify lies of the dragon and to put their trust in the dragon slayer. Seth's story takes place in a post-fall world where ferocious beasts lurk in the darkness and thorns and thistles cover the land. When Seth learns of an ancient prophecy about the Chosen One, he sets off on a quest to find the one who will break the curse. But the evil dragon also has a mission—to deceive Seth and turn his heart from the King. On his quest for truth, Seth learns what it means to trust the King and to resist the lies of the evil dragon. Learn more about Laure on her WEBSITE or at Dragonslayerbible.com and follow her on GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    39 min

  2. DEC 3

    A Chat with Karen Witemeyer about Cloaked in Beauty

    When I heard about Karen Witemeyer doing fairy tales in 19th-century Texas, I knew this would be genius.  But when I heard about Cloaked in Beauty, a mashup of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, her genius took on new proportions. Listen in to see why. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  A girl with a fortune and someone eager to kill her to get it?  That might sound familiar, but nope... Witemeyer has taken a whole new take on both fairy tales, and I love it.  EEEP! Not only that, but we're looking at at least one more book--based on Beauty and the Beast. And... we got a sneak peek at her next series... The Secret Society of Spinsters.  Is that not the most genius idea ever?  I can't wait!  Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer  In the heart of the Piney Woods of Texas, Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother 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 Letty grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping her out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart. "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights. You can learn more about Karen Witemeyer and her books on her WEBSITE. Don't forget the book is 40% off with FREE US shipping until 12/16/24 on BakerBookHouse.com.   Follow Karen on BookBub and GoodReads. And don't forget her Posse Group on Facebook. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    32 min

  3. DEC 2

    A Chat with Tessa Afshar about The Queen's Cook

    Beloved Biblical and historical fiction author, Tessa Afshar has a new series beginning, and wow! Persian history comes to life as we get to know Roxannah and how she became not only a cook in Queen Esther's house but also... the queen's friend!  Listen in to learn more. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  This new series focuses on fictional women who could have interacted with Queen Esther and even has "excerpts from the queen's journals" which is a really cool way for readers to get to see Persian culture of the time through a lens that Esther could have had.  I don't know about you, but I'm already looking forward to the next book. #BecausePottery!  The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar  In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to 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 loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. 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. Learn more about Tessa on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss the book at 30% off with FREE shipping from BakerBookHouse.com. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    33 min

  4. NOV 30

    A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher about A Year of Flowers

    Author of historical, Amish, and contemporary women's fiction, Suzanne Woods Fisher has moved from Cape Cod and ice cream to the South and flowers. Listen in to learn what you'll find in this new series of novellas (all available in one book!) note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  "Flowers are in the business of happiness." Isn't that the most delightful picture?  If that doesn't make you want to read more about flowers, nothing will.  And then there's... Capture the Moment-- a national park series coming in MAY!   A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher  In this collection of four heartfelt novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness--and love--remain elusive. In An Apology in Bloom, wedding florist Jaime Harper is on a meteoric rise, working for an event company led by a successful and way-too-handsome boss. When a letter arrives from her past mentor with an offer too good to pass up, will she stay or head back to her hometown? In A Bouquet of Dreams, Claire Murphy has always dreamed of owning a flower shop, and when her employers hint at retirement, she believes her moment has arrived. But first she must confront her past--and the man who caused her to flee her hometown years ago. In A Field of Beauty, Tessa Anderson has found an acre of farmland to start her flower farm and forget the past. She's grateful for the help of two men--her boyfriend, Tyler, and a quiet soil specialist named Dawson. But as the farm finally starts to bloom, Tessa will discover something that challenges everything she's built. In A Future in Blossom, Jaime, Claire, and Tessa return to their hometown, finally ready to face each other and their beloved mentor, flower shop owner Rose Reid. As they unite to pull off an extraordinary wedding, amid the flurry of preparations they just may find their way to forgiveness. Don't forget that the book is 30% off at BakerBookHouse.com And don't forget the fall bundle deal! It sounds AMAZING!  You can get that HERE. You can learn more about Suzanne from her WEBSITE.  Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    35 min

  5. NOV 29

    A Chat about Christmas at Sugarplum Manor & An Honorable Deception

    Always ready with a variety of excellent new books for us, Roseanna M. White has two recent releases-- An Honorable Disguise and of course, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor. Listen in to learn more about these two books and the ones coming next year! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  I couldn't imagine what on earth would possess someone to call their home, "Sugar Plum Manor," but of course, Roseanna managed to pull that off beautifully.  With a Nutcracker-inspired story, added to a bit of Tchaikovsky influence, what more could you ask for at Christmas? But she also just released her third Imposters book with An Honorable Deception. It's time to get Yates' story, and boy, you don't want to miss out on this one! Finally, this July, Roseanna moves into WWII territory with The Collector of Burned Books.  If you haven't seen this cover, you MUST. It's stunning, and the story behind it... sign me up!    Christmas at Sugarplum Manor by Roseanna M. White  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? Learn more about Roseanna M. White on her WEBSITE (with all the bookish merch) and follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Don't forget that you can still get Christmas at Sugarplum Manor  for 30% off with FREE US shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    33 min

  6. NOV 28

    A Chat with Patricia Bradley about Deadly Revenge

    The queen of research questions that freak out the experts, Patricia Bradley is back with the final book in the Pearl River series. Listen in and learn what happens in this book and where she's taking us next! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Revenge, second chances at a first chance, and a story that hits close to home with our present political climate (and all before it was a thing!), Bradley has a lot going on in this book. And... after this, she gave us a hint. We're going back to Logan Point--the setting of her first series!  Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley  Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection. That's where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well. As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back? Learn more about Patricia and her books at PTBradley.com and PatriciaBradleyBooks.com! Don't forget to follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    35 min

  7. NOV 27

    A Chat with Robin Jones Gunn about Tea with Elephants

    Beloved author Robin Jones Gunn is back with another fabulous friendship series. This time, different friends are going off on once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Listen in to see what tea has to do with elephants... and friends. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.    So far it's a three-book series. We NEED more books so read, review, and beg the publisher for more FRIENDSHIP books. Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn  Ever since they met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica 20 years ago, Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young. Along with their suitcases, each woman brings along emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. Yet the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they surrender to the lessons God wants to teach them in this unexpected land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants. Pack your bags and get ready for adventure as Robin Jones Gunn invites you on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain. Don't forget 30% off with Free US shipping at BakerBookHouse.com Learn more about Robin on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    41 min

  8. NOV 26

    A Chat with Lynn Austin about Waiting for Christmas

    Readers who fell in love with Adelaide in All My Secrets will be excited to read this Christmas novella, Waiting for Christmas. Listen in and see why this book has all the vibes of beloved Christmas classics.  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I love Christmas, and Gilde-Age stories with their strong contrasts between the wealthy and poverty-stricken offers great fodder for stories, but add in a bit of "fish-out-of-water" and a little mystery, and you've got the makings of a fabulous story.   Waiting for Christmas  by Lynn Austin   In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue. For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household. Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true. The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all. The novella length of this delightful work of Christmas fiction about the true meaning of Christmas makes this a great stocking stuffer or host/hostess gift Beautiful hardcover, giftable size Great companion to All My Secrets by Lynn Austin Includes discussion questions for book clubs Learn more about Lynn Austin on her website. And don't forget to follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

    34 min
See All (102)

4.9
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Exploring Christian Fiction from its early days to the most anticipated upcoming books. We love all fiction that points the reader to Jesus. Let's talk books!

Information

  • Creator
    Chautona Havig
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chautona Havig 2023
  • Show Website
    The Because Fiction Podcast

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