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!
Eclectic authors are right up my alley, and Tabitha Caplinger is no exception. Listen in and see why I bought The Castle Rose before we finished our interview! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Fantasy of all sorts (light or deep) seems to be Tabitha's strength, but when you mash up Beauty and the Beast with Phantom of the Opera and set it in New Orleans... Add in beignets and... well... score! The Castle Rose by Tabitha Caplinger Bastian Roux lived and died a hundred years ago. Kind of. He certainly feels like nothing more than a ghost as he haunts the abandoned Castle Rose Theatre, his only solace found in the notes of his piano. That is until Odette arrives. Odette Durand moved to New Orleans for a fresh start. The coffee-addicted local bookshop manager never expected to be pulled into something supernatural and she certainly doesn’t believe in ghosts. But seeing a man no one else can see and hearing music that shouldn’t exist makes a girl question her beliefs–and her sanity. With a mysterious and somewhat charming Southern gentleman thrown in the mix, Odette finds herself entangled in a century-old rivalry bound by a curse. If she’s the only one who can see Bastian, is she also the only one who can break whatever is keeping him stuck in the realm between the living and the dead? As Odette and Bastian navigate the shadows of Bastian’s past, they must grapple with the ultimate question: Will breaking the curse give Bastian his life back or take it away forever? Learn more about Tabitha on 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!
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Episode 404: A Chat with Naomi Stephens
One of my favorite books of 2025 has been The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens. Imagine my surprise when I learned she also has done historical romance with Biblical retellings--and I'd read one! Her latest is The Scarlet Ribbon. Listen in to see how she managed such different genres! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. This Rahab retelling set against the backdrop of the War for Independence promises to tear at the heartstrings of readers as they see the familiar story play out in a fresh new way and with new characters. The Scarlet Ribbon by Naomi Stephens As the Revolutionary War unfurls around her, Rebekah Stanton is abandoned by the man who once claimed to love her. Shunned by her father and forced to give up her child, she finds herself thrust into prostitution at the local boarding house. When the British seize control of the nearby fort, she gives little thought to the officers who frequent the boarding house. Men are men regardless of the color of their uniform…or so she believes. But then a young man—a Patriot spy named Benjamin Renshaw—stumbles upon her in the darkness, and she saves him from a group of pursuing Redcoats. With an attack on the fort brewing in the background and the father of her child returned to serve with the British, Rebekah is torn between old dreams and new hope, struggling all the while to find peace and forgiveness in a place of rising conflict. Learn more about Naomi 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!
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Episode 403: A Chat with Enewerome
With her debut romance novel, Ready to be Loved by You, Enewerome offers readers not only a wonderful slow-burn romance but also an exciting look into Nigerian culture (and food!) Listen in to see why I popped this book on my Kindle Unlimited shelf before we finished speaking! note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. While I loved learning about the Nigerian culture Enewerome put into her novel, I have to say talking about why she wrote the book and when she did and what she learned in the process really grabbed me most. Admitting that it was hard work took courage in a world that often tells us that if God requires it, He'll make it easy. Tell that to Moses. Just sayin'. I'm looking forward to her coming back to tell us about her new series! Ready to Be Loved by You by Enewerome A CLEAN AND WHOLESOME CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ROMANCE STORY Haunted by the wounds from her past, Vivienne Adetokunbo, a fiercely independent professional bridesmaid and video content creator, wants nothing to do with God, love, or marriage. Levi Edegware, despite being saddled with the weight of a past mistake, is a devout Christian and hopeless romantic events coordinator who desires a happy family with a woman who shares the same faith and values about marriage as him. When a wedding mishap throws them together, their first encounter is far from a fairytale. However, things take a turn when Vivienne and Levi become colleagues, which forces them to confront their fears, beliefs, and desires. As Levi shows Vivienne kindness she's never known, an undeniable connection grows between them. But will Vivienne let go of her fears to embrace God's love and a future with Levi, or will her walls remain unbroken? Will Levi forsake all he has ever known to be with the woman he sees a future with? If you love sweet romance with: Slow burn Faith arcs Forbidden love Enemies to lovers Workplace romance Forced proximity Dual POV Nigerian culture, pidgin, and food No smut or spice Then you will enjoy Ready to be Loved by You. Find Enewerome on her LinkTree 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!
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Episode 402: A Chat with Melissa LaShure
A new historical romance series is coming, Bounty Brothers. Listen in to discover what to expect from the series and the first book, Unwavering Faith. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. As a lover of "the damsel in distress" trope, Melissa LaShure gives it a fresh twist in this series. I'm excited to find out what it looks like. Even better, book two is coming out in May/June. And... don't forget, you can only get the books on her website--print, eBook, and audio! Unwavering Faith by Melissa LaShure Tombstone meets Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. In a lawless land, Brody Young and his Bounty Brothers stare down the face of evil to protect the innocent. They’re known for forcing outlaws to confront justice. Until Brody takes on his first female bounty. Wrongfully accused of murder, Claire Belonge flees 5th Avenue New York in search of her brother in Dodge City. She soon finds herself in over her head in this wild west town. In utter desperation, she turns to the one man who has the ability to save her. Brody navigates uncharted territory with Claire, his beautiful bounty. She stirs a deep-seated desire to protect her at all costs. As truths are revealed, he'll have to make a commitment he's unsure he can honor. Claire's faith is set to be exposed as she confronts assassins and outlaws. Will Brody’s unwavering faith in God point her to Christ? Is it possible for Brody to safeguard Claire from her enemies and his? Does the happiness they’ve found in each other's arms have a chance of surviving? This heart-pounding romance is guaranteed have you gripping the edge of your seat and swooning for our hero. Learn more about Melissa on her WEBSITE 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!
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Episode 401: A Handful of Valentine's Recommendations
Valentine's Day is coming, and with it come thoughts of love, romance, and all things pink and red hearts, right? I've compiled a list of contemporary books (I left out historical this time) that might just tempt you if you haven't read them yet. Listen in to see what I thought of these books! The Books (note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon: Comes out February 18th. RomCom. The GoodReads Giveaway: https://goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/395007-an-overdue-match (Don't forget her Book Nerds & Boyfriends collection! Also on Kindle Unlimited) Emma and the Reasons by Natasha Metzler Romantic Women's fiction Available on Kindle Unlimited The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel Romantic Women's Fiction (only $1.99 on Kindle right now!) The Cape Cod Creamery Series by Suzanne Woods Fisher Romantic Women's Fiction The Love Off Script Series by Angela Ruth Strong Christian RomCom The Shippers Series by Shannon Sue Dunlap Love Overboard and Hearts Aweigh (Preorder) Christian RomCom Random Acts of Shyness by Chautona Havig Christian Romcom (available on Kindle Unlimited) Happy reading!!! Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!
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!