Life-Changing Fiction

McKenna Kyllo
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Life-Changing Fiction is where story meets truth. Each week, we dive deep into the novels, characters, and authors that have changed lives—exploring how fiction can stir the heart, wrestle with life’s hardest questions, and draw us closer to God. From redemptive love stories to epic journeys of faith, these conversations and book discussions aren’t afraid to go to the broken places and point toward hope. Whether you’re an avid Christian romance reader or simply hungry for stories that linger long after the last page, you’ll find a place here.

  1. 3d ago

    The God Who Stays | The Boy Who Called Me Beatrice Ft. Leah M. Taylor

    What makes a story truly life-changing? At Life-Changing Fiction, we believe it’s fiction that draws us closer to Jesus, reminds us of who God is, and challenges us to see our circumstances through the lens of His truth. In this episode, I’m joined by author Leah M. Taylor to discuss her debut novel, The Boy Who Called Me Beatrice, a story about identity, abandonment, grief, redemption, and the unchanging faithfulness of God. About The Boy Who Called Me Beatrice Set in the small town of Arrow Rock, Missouri, this dual-timeline novel follows Beatrice Barlowe, a girl abandoned by her mother who longs to be known by her real name, and Bo Finnegan, a man whose broken engagement sends him searching for a new beginning. When their paths cross again years later, their stories reveal how God can work through brokenness, unexpected friendships, and even the smallest acts of kindness. We Discuss: Why the best stories point us beyond themselves and draw us toward the real Jesus. Finding comfort in God's presence when we feel abandoned, forgotten, or alone. What happens when the world tries to strip away our sense of identity and worth. Learning to trust God's sovereignty even when our circumstances don't make sense. How one seemingly insignificant moment can change someone's life. Holding grief alongside the hope we have in Christ. How our words, actions, and stories can point the people around us toward Jesus. Connect with Leah M. Taylor: Website: https://www.leahmtaylor.com/ Find The Boy Who Called Me Beatrice: Purchase a Signed Copy Find on Amazon/Kindle Connect with McKenna: Grab her free novella Instagram: @mckennakyllobooks Subscribe to Life-Changing Fiction and rate the podcast so more people can discover the truth behind these stories!

    The God Who Stays | The Boy Who Called Me Beatrice Ft. Leah M. Taylor

  2. Oct 9

    Biblical Masculinity, Femininity, Identity & Surrender | What I Hold by Emily Ann

    What does it really mean to be strong? And what happens when we stop looking to the world to define who we are and start looking to Christ? In this episode of Life-Changing Fiction, McKenna chats with author Emily Ann all about her novel What I Hold, the third book in the Valiant Devotion series. What I Hold invites readers to consider questions of identity, purpose, independence, family, faith, and what it means to live according to God's design rather than the world's definition of freedom. We talk about: The role of fathers in shaping identityBiblical masculinity vs. the world's definition of masculinityBiblical femininity vs. the world's definition of femininityWhat does true strength actually look like?Why we are only as strong as our relationship with ChristThe difference between happiness and joyThe danger of allowing culture to define our identityWhat it looks like to surrender to the LordHow Christian fiction can challenge the way we think about culture and faith Connect with Emily Ann Instagram: @authoremilyann What I Hold Connect with McKenna Instagram: @mckennakyllobooks Grab McKenna's Free Novella: Beyond the Promise of Life Keywords: Christian fiction, Christian historical fiction, Emily Ann, What I Hold, Valiant Devotion, Christian books, Christian historical romance, biblical masculinity, biblical femininity, Christian femininity, Christian masculinity, Christian identity, finding identity in Christ, surrender to God, trusting God, Christian women, faith-based fiction, books about faith, Christian book podcast, Life-Changing Fiction, Christian romance books, historical Christian fiction

    Biblical Masculinity, Femininity, Identity & Surrender | What I Hold by Emily Ann

  3. Oct 2 ·  Bonus

    Introducing Season 2 of Life-Changing Fiction

    Life-Changing Fiction is back and McKenna is so excited to share all that this next season will have in store for you. In this episode, McKenna discusses: The definition of Life-Changing FictionThe importance of rest and taking breaksSome of her favorite episodes from Season 1What to expect from Season 2 Grab your free copy of Between the Ashes: A Dust Bowl Short Story If you are looking forward to this next season, go ahead hit Follow and rate this podcast so more listeners (ahem readers) like you can find it.

  4. Jun 26

    Finding Clean Books for Teens | Amy C. Shaw on Love, Sax, and All That Jazz

    Enjoying the Podcast? If you loved this conversation with Amy C. Shaw, would you take a moment to support the show? Rate and review the podcast wherever you listen. Your review helps more readers discover faith-filled stories and meaningful conversations with Christian authors. Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Life-Changing Fiction. New interviews feature authors whose books inspire deeper faith, spark thoughtful discussion, and point readers back to Christ. Share this episode with a friend, parent, librarian, teacher, or fellow book lover looking for clean, Christ-centered fiction for teens and adults. Together, we can help more readers discover stories that entertain, encourage, and glorify God. Thank you for being part of the Life-Changing Fiction community! Finding Clean Books for Teens | Amy C. Shaw on Love, Sax, and All That Jazz Looking for clean young adult fiction that entertains without compromising your values? In this episode of Life-Changing Fiction, author Amy C. Shaw joins McKenna to discuss her debut novel, Love, Sax, and All That Jazz, the power of storytelling, and why faith-centered fiction matters for today's teen readers. Amy shares her journey to publication, the importance of surrendering our plans to God, and how Christ remains at the center of both her life and her writing. We also explore the growing need for clean YA books and practical ways readers can support authors creating uplifting, faith-filled stories. Whether you're a parent searching for wholesome books for your teen, a reader who loves clean romance, or a writer pursuing God's calling, this conversation offers encouragement, inspiration, and a reminder that God's plans are always greater than our own. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why stories have the power to shape heartsAmy's inspiration behind Love, Sax, and All That JazzLearning to surrender your dreams and expectations to God's planTrusting God when your journey doesn't unfold the way you imaginedWhy Christ must remain the foundation of our lives and creative workThe growing demand for clean young adult fictionWhat makes a YA novel both engaging and wholesomeHow parents can find clean book options for teen readersPractical ways readers can support clean fiction authorsGrab Your Copy Here: Love, Sax, and All That Jazz on Amazon Follow Amy on Instagram: @acshawya Grab McKenna's Free Ebook: Beyond the Promise of Life Connect with McKenna on Instagram: @mckennakyllobooks SEO Keywords: Christian YA fiction, clean YA books, clean young adult romance, Christian teen fiction, wholesome YA novels, faith-based fiction, Amy C. Shaw, Love Sax and All That Jazz, Christian book podcast, clean books for teens, Christian romance books, young adult Christian novels, faith-filled stories, Christian author interview, clean fiction recommendations, Christian coming-of-age stories, books that point to Christ, wholesome books for young readers.

    Finding Clean Books for Teens | Amy C. Shaw on Love, Sax, and All That Jazz

  5. Jun 19

    The Crisis No One is Talking About | Waves of Redemption Ft. S.L. Klein

    In this episode of Life-Changing Fiction, McKenna sits down with author S.L. Klein to discuss her novel Waves of Redemption, a powerful story woven with Scripture, redemption, and the life-changing truth of who we are in Christ. If you've ever struggled to see yourself the way God sees you, this episode offers encouragement and practical reminders of the redemption available through Jesus Christ. In This Episode We Discuss The inspiration behind Waves of RedemptionWhy Scripture is woven into the fabric of the storyUnderstanding your identity as a child of GodRedemption and restoration through JesusThe role Christian fiction can play in strengthening faithAddressing the realities of human trafficking through storytellingFinding hope, healing, and purpose in God's redemptive planIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Life-Changing Fiction and leave a review. Your support helps more readers discover powerful stories that deepen faith, inspire hope, and point hearts toward Christ. Organizations Stacy Discussed: A21Exodus RoadProject RescueOperation for FreedomOUR RescueVentureInternational Justice Mission (IJM)Polaris ProjectTim Tebow Foundation Anew FloridaLife Impact International Grab McKenna's Free Ebook Connect with McKenna on Instagram Connect with S.L. Klein on Instagram Keywords Christian fiction podcast, S.L. Klein interview, Waves of Redemption, Christian book podcast, identity in Christ, child of God, redemption through Jesus, Christian women's fiction, faith-based fiction, Scripture in fiction, speaking life, biblical encouragement, Christian author interview, overcoming darkness through faith, human trafficking awareness, Christian books about redemption, Life-Changing Fiction podcast

    The Crisis No One is Talking About | Waves of Redemption Ft. S.L. Klein

  6. Jun 12

    Finding Your Identity in Christ | The Fisherman's Wife with Kaylee Scherer

    In this episode of Life-Changing Fiction, McKenna sits down with author Kaylee Scherer to discuss her novel The Fisherman's Wife and the themes woven throughout its pages. Together, we explore faith, identity, purpose, and God's restoration. Key Talking Points: Kaylee's personal faith journey Finding your identity in Christ Why waiting seasons are often preparation seasons Trusting God's timing when life doesn't go according to plan The story of Peter's denial and Christ's restoration If you enjoy conversations about Christian fiction, faith, redemption, and stories that point readers toward Christ, be sure to subscribe to Life-Changing Fiction and leave a review. Your support helps more readers discover faith-filled books that inspire deeper walks with God. Grab McKenna's Free Ebook: Beyond the Promise of Life Connect with Kaylee: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaylee_scherer_author/ The Fisherman's Wife

    Finding Your Identity in Christ | The Fisherman's Wife with Kaylee Scherer

  7. Jun 5

    Finding Your Place to Belong with Melissa Alyse

    Have you ever wondered what to do when a door closes and the future feels uncertain? How do you discern God's calling, find your purpose, and trust Him when you're waiting for what's next? In this episode of Life-Changing Fiction, McKenna sits down with Christian fiction author Melissa Alyse to discuss her novel, A Place to Belong. Together, they explore the difference between purpose and calling, the importance of biblical mentorship, and how God often uses closed doors to redirect us toward His greater plans. Melissa shares how faith, community, and wise counsel can help us navigate seasons of uncertainty, while reminding us that our true place of belonging is found in Christ. Whether you're in a season of waiting, searching for direction, or longing for deeper spiritual roots, this conversation offers encouragement and practical wisdom grounded in Scripture. In This Episode, We Discuss: The inspiration behind A Place to BelongWhat to do when doors close and plans fall apartLearning to wait on God's timing and directionThe difference between purpose and callingWhy every person needs a mentorHow creativity can be used to glorify GodFinding your identity and belonging in ChristIf you love discovering faith-filled books and hearing from Christian authors, please: Follow the podcastLeave a rating and reviewShare this episode with a friendJoin the conversation on McKenna's BookstagramYour support helps more readers discover inspiring Christian fiction and meaningful conversations about faith. Download McKenna's Free Novella Beyond the Promise of Life Connect with Melissa https://www.melissaalyse.com/ SEO Keywords Christian fiction podcast, Melissa Alysse interview, A Place to Belong book, Christian author interview, faith-based fiction, Christian novels, purpose versus calling, biblical mentorship, Christian mentors, Christian discipleship, finding your purpose in God, waiting on God's timing, Christian living podcast, Christian book podcast, faith and creativity, Colossians, Christian readers, inspirational Christian fiction, Life-Changing Fiction podcast, Christian book recommendations

  8. Jun 1

    Misgivings by Anne Gibson: Finding Faith, Trusting God, and Overcoming the Past

    In this episode of Life-Changing Fiction, McKenna sits down with award-winning author Anne Gibson to discuss her Christian romance novel, Misgivings. From swoon-worthy romance to powerful biblical truths, this conversation explores how faith grows through struggle, why God's grace never runs out, and how our past doesn't have to define our future. Misgivings follows Dee, a woman whose painful past has left her skeptical of faith and reluctant to trust God. When she encounters believers who challenge her assumptions and demonstrate authentic Christianity, Dee begins a journey toward faith. But as Anne shares, finding God isn't the end of Dee's story. It's only the beginning. Like many believers, Dee must learn what it means to trust God daily while navigating doubt, disappointment, and the wounds of her past. Main Topics Discussed: Christian romance tropes readers loveWhy faith doesn't eliminate life's strugglesSanctification and spiritual growthLearning to trust God after past hurtsThe power of Christian communityIsaiah 41:10 and God's promisesLessons from the Book of JonahFinding God's grace in every seasonAnchoring your life in Scripture If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow reader who loves Christian romance, stories of redemption, and faith-filled fiction. Download McKenna's Novella as An Ebook, A Free Gift To You Here: Beyond the Promise of Life McKenna's Instagram: @mckennakyllobooks Connect with Anne Anne's Instagram: @authorannegibson Website: https://authorannegibson.com/ Purchase Misgivings: https://authorannegibson.com/books

    Misgivings by Anne Gibson: Finding Faith, Trusting God, and Overcoming the Past
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About

Life-Changing Fiction is where story meets truth. Each week, we dive deep into the novels, characters, and authors that have changed lives—exploring how fiction can stir the heart, wrestle with life’s hardest questions, and draw us closer to God. From redemptive love stories to epic journeys of faith, these conversations and book discussions aren’t afraid to go to the broken places and point toward hope. Whether you’re an avid Christian romance reader or simply hungry for stories that linger long after the last page, you’ll find a place here.

Information

  • Creator
    McKenna Kyllo
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © McKenna Kyllo
  • Show Website
    Life-Changing Fiction

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