Romance is blooming in Valiant once again, and on this page of the tale, we have... Paige! Listen in while Mary Pat Johns and I chat about this second chance romance and learn all the fun details!

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Waitin' on Paige by Mary Pat Johns

Tavo Morales has returned to Valiant, Texas, to stir the embers of a relationship with the woman he has never stopped loving, but hidden reefs from his past threaten to destroy his future.

Paige Muñoz wants her new event planning business to be a success and won’t let anything stand in her way. But the path she’s on to make her dreams come true proves dangerous.

Is the love Tavo and Paige once shared strong enough to survive his secrets and her stubbornness?

Learn more about Mary on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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One of my favorite things about Roseanna M. White's books is her attention to detail not just with historic facts but LOCATIONS. She does a fabulous job of ensuring that the faiths of her characters match their locales (she has a great blog post about this that you don't want to miss, too!). Speaking of research and faith, listen in to learn more what went into The Collector of Burned Books.

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Of course, when you talk to a historical fiction author, you learn all kinds of new facts you didn't know. I think my favorite (and most surprising!) fact was that the Catholic sectors were most against Nazis. I shouldn't be surprised, but I was.

I love how she wove the horrible facts of history together with a beautiful commitment to truth and freedom and created this story. You won't want to miss it.

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party―he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

Learn more about Roseanna M. White on her WEBSITE (with all the bookish merch) and follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

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Debut novelist Christine Hill Suntz has come up with a fabulous marriage of convenience story in this Christian historical romance, The Lawyer and the Laundress. Listen in to learn about the author's unexpected connection to the surrounding historical events!

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Christine and I chatted about how much she loves romance, about the three-day rebellion of 1837, and how there were TWO rebellions--an "upper" and a lower one."

Furthermore, she shared about her next novel and how it relates to this book. I personally can't wait to read that one, too!

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected solution: become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady.

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.

• Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romance
• Filled with love, faith, and adventure
• Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera Alexander
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Learn more about Christine on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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By the time I got done talking to Angela Carlisle about her books, I'd already downloaded the audiobook of Secondary Target. Listen in and see why. Spoiler alert: I listened to Shadowed Witness immediately following.

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Suspense is a broad category, but sometimes suspense borders on thriller. Angela and I had a great chat about the world and the circumstances in which she's set her characters.

Shadowed Witness by Angela Carlisle

A haunting attack. A killer in the shadows. A protective love.

Murder--that's what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs outside her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.

Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye's report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again.

"Fans of romantic suspense, add Angela Carlisle to your must-read list!"--Lynn H. Blackburn, bestselling and award-winning author

"Make room on your shelves--this is a keeper!"--Jaime Jo Wright, bestselling author on Secondary Target

"Surprising twists and unfolding mysteries kept me turning pages until the end."--Jerusha Agen author of the Guardians Unleashed series on Secondary Target

Pick up this thrilling ride of romantic suspense with themes of danger, psychological intrigue, friends to more, and a small

Learn more about Angela on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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I've been excited to chat with Sara Brunsvold about The Atlast of Untold Stories since the last time I talked with her. Listen in to hear about this epic literary road trip that brings three women together

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From Willa Cather to Frank L. Baum and Harold Bell Wright (among others), three women climb into an AC-free SUV and learning more about these authors, their books, and each other than they might have expected.

The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold

A literary journey beckons them . . . and may profoundly rewrite their stories.

Chloe Vance, dreamer of the family, needs to tell her pragmatic mom, Edie, that she has accepted a low-paying art instructor role at a Christian school in Prague. Her older sister, Lauren--the "responsible one"--is doing all she can to hide the fact she's been fired for a foolish mistake and is desperately seeking her next career move. Meanwhile, Edie, estranged from her own sister following their mother's recent death, is frankly in no mood for anything else to change.

The one thing they can all agree on? Life in books sure is easier to navigate than life in the real world. As the three women embark on a nine-day road trip to visit significant literary sites throughout America's heartland, they hope to find inspiration through the works and lives of literary greats. As they experience firsthand the adventure and wonder of the classics, they'll discover the value of being honest with themselves--and their family--about their losses and failures. Only then can they come to terms with their own needs and desires and find support from the most important women in their lives--each other.

Book clubs will relish this trek through America's classic literature as award-winning author Sara Brunsvold pens an inspirational novel of mother-daughter relationships, sisterhood, literary themes, a cross-country road trip, and books about books.

Learn more about Sara on her WEBSITE and follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

Don't forget that you can get The Atlas of Untold Stories at 30% off with free shipping from BakerBookHouse.com

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Oh, my. Anytime I have a chat with Dana Mentink, I know I'm going to have a great time AND get obsessed with a new book. This one is no different. Listen in and see why Fire Mountain is at the top of my fall reading list!

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Well, this book erupts with smashing opening! (Okay, cheesy description, but come on! Couldn't resist!)

A woman long hauler? A volcano? A baby from out of nowhere? Dana has really gone all out on this one!

Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink

Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

Learn more Dana about on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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If you asked me who my top three women's fiction author are, I'd definitely add Amanda Cox--probably at the top. Definitely at the top if I've read one of her books in the past month or so. Listen in and see why The Bitter End Birding Society could be my favorite... again (they're always my favorite).

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Bitter End, Tennessee--a nowhere place at the top of a mountain. Learn how she found out its history (not easy) and how it got its name (spoiler: she didn't).

Mobile Wedding Chapel? She's got it.

Moonshine? Get all you can drink in and no hangover!!! (just joking around! Avoid the moonshine in jars on your counter--your gut will thank you).

The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox

A forbidden romance, a fractured family, and one woman's journey to piece it all together

Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt prepare for retirement. A town called Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from the attention and unwarranted admiration of her community. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird-watchers takes her under their wing--a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.

But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree--one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son--what began as a getaway to help her great-aunt becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.

An immersive faith-based novel of finding belonging, reconciliation, and new beginnings for fans of southern fiction. This narrative of friendship and community makes for a perfect book club selection.

Don't miss the preorder at 40% off from BakerBookHouse (or the 30% off after release)--both with free shipping!

Learn more about Amanda Cox on her WEBSITE. Follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

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A Hosea and Gomer retelling... in Nigeria? Yes, please! Listen in and learn about IyanuOluwa's inspiration, love of words, and love of the Lord and his people in Love's Beacon.

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I had a lovely time chatting with IyanoOluwa about her The Way Home series and how she weaves faith, Nigerian culture, and Biblical inspiration into her contemporary romance stories.

Love's Beacon by IyanuOluwa Olorode

Goal/Wish List

Mini Cooper that I didn’t buy with my own money. Check.
MSc from London College of Fashion. Check.
Become a millionaire, not just because of dad’s money. Check.
Have at least five thriving businesses. Check.
Get married to the love of my life. FUTURE IMPOSSIBLE TENSE!

Regina has everything she possibly wants. At least almost everything. Two things elude her.

One. Dapo.

Dapo is all shades wrong and not hers. He’s her sister’s man, yet her heart can’t stop beating for him. Why? Maybe because he has the other one thing she knows she can never have—a relationship with God. Something she once had but foolishly threw away.

Rachel is wife material. Not just any wife material. Pastor’s wife material. She’s godly, calm, and reserved. She loves the Lord, and she’s pretty enough that they’d both look good on a church poster. Dapo’s plan to become the youngest youth pastor at Solid Rock Assembly is set in motion and meets an abrupt end when his fiancée marries Brother Bisola instead.

Enraged and heartbroken, Dapo finds himself nursing a heartbreak and feelings towards his best friend’s baby sister, Regina.

Regina is all shades wrong. She’s loud, impulsive, has close to zero interest in the things of the Lord, wears skimpy clothes, and is too beautiful for her own good. Despite all the red flags, he can’t stop himself from loving her. And three words ring loud and clear: RECIPE FOR DISASTER.

Regina believes in fate. Could it be fate bringing them together? Or is there something else, something more powerful intent on weaving something marvellous out of that disaster?

Love’s Beacon is a Nigerian contemporary loose retelling of the Hosea and Gomer story.

Learn more about Iyanu on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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