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Patricia Raybon joins us for the very first time on the podcast, though she isn't a new author. We discuss her latest release, Truth Be Told, if writing a mystery is hard for her, what she'd like readers to take from the book, and what makes a good mystery. Patrons will find out what her current favorite movie is and why.

Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon

On a lovely June night in 1924, amateur detective Annalee Spain is mingling bravely at a high-class political fundraiser in the lush backyard garden of famed political fixer Cooper Coates, one of the wealthiest men in Denver's Black neighborhood of Five Points. When Coates’s young daughter discovers a pretty stranger dead in her father’s garden shed, Annalee is thrust onto the baffling new case just as she’s reeling from another recent discovery—a handwritten letter, found buried in her own garden, that reveals the identity of her mother.

Not ready to face the truth about her hidden past, Annalee throws herself into solving the mystery of the young woman’s demise. With the help of her pastor boyfriend Jack Blake, her orphaned buddy Eddie, and her trustworthy church friends, Annalee follows the clues to three seemingly disconnected settings—a traveling carnival set up downtown, a Black civic club, and a prestigious white seminary on the outskirts of Denver. Intriguing advice also comes from a famous, real-life Denver visitor. But is Annalee on the right track or just running in circles, fleeing from conflicts racing in her heart?

In a taut, heart-gripping narrative driven by secrets, romance, and lies, Annalee must unravel a case with higher stakes than she imagined—one where answers about a lovely woman's death point to truths and tensions still throbbing today.

• A clean historical mystery featuring an amateur female detective, from the Christy Award–winning author of All That Is Secret
• Third installment in the Annalee Spain series
• Includes discussion questions for book groups

Get your copy of Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon.

Christy Award winner Patricia Raybon was reared near Denver, Colorado under big sky, bright sunshine, and the humbling mystery of Christ. A newspaper journalist who turned to historical fiction, she authors devotional writing for Our Daily Bread and writes the Annalee Spain Mystery series set in Colorado's dangerous 1920s Klan era.

Visit Patricia's website.

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Jennifer Mistmorgan joins us all the way from Australia to discuss her WWII novel, The Mapmaker's Secret. We discuss what inspired the book, why she is so passionate about WWII, and what her unique hobby is. Patrons will hear about her wonderful, quirky little dog.

The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan

May 1943, Lincolnshire, England: Grace Deroy’s family estate is requisitioned by the Air Ministry, so she takes a job in the new cartography facility to protect what used to be her home, a small cog in the vast machinery of war. When the new American intelligence officer Jack Marsden arrives, she has no idea he’s been sent to spy on her.

Jack has little experience with espionage, but his real task is simple enough: get close to Grace and find out whether she’s leaking Air Ministry secrets to the enemy. It should be a dream assignment, but Jack finds himself tongue tied and awkward every time he comes in contact with his target––a sure sign he’s falling in love.

Grace isn’t the Nazi sympathizer that MI5 suspects, but that doesn’t mean she’s got nothing to hide. When compromising stories about her appear in the press, Grace fears someone she trusts––someone working in her own home––is trying to expose her. Can she find out who before all the shameful secrets from her past are laid bare? And can she trust this quiet new American to help her work out who the real traitor is?

Get The Mapmaker's Secret by Jennifer Mistmorgan.

Get Book 1 of "On Victory's Wings" series, Heart in the Clouds.

Australian author Jennifer Mistmorgan sometimes feels like she was born in the wrong era. So she writes romantic historical fiction set in the 1940s, against the backdrop of WWII and its aftermath. She infuses her sweet romances with wartime drama, gentle faith and a dash of intrigue. She lives in Canberra with her family and a wonky-eared West Highland terrier.

Visit Jennifer Mistmorgan's website.

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Kim Sawyer returns to the podcast this week to talk about her new book, The Songbird of Hope Hill. We discuss how she creates such fascinating characters, what led her to writ this book, and her love of renovating old houses. Be sure to listen to the end for a huge announcement from Kim!!! Patrons will hear about her most treasured antique find.

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Sawyer

A young woman sings of God’s love—even if she doesn’t believe He can forgive her—in this heartwarming novel inspired by historical events, from the bestselling author of A Tapestry of Grace.

“An unforgettable story of God’s grace and redemption.”—Kathleen Y’Barbo, author of The Black Midnight

Driven by survival to a life at a house of ill repute, Birdie Clarkson now longs only for escape. So when Reverend Isaiah Overly and his son, Ephraim, appear and offer a better life, she jumps at the chance. Ignoring the furious raging of the madam, Birdie climbs into the back of the preacher’s wagon.

The men take her to Hope Hill, the haven the reverend and his wife, Ophelia, founded so women like Birdie can be taught skills to help them rise above their pasts. Soon a resistant Birdie finds herself singing in the choir Ephraim leads at revival meetings, even though she’s certain she’s the last person who should be representing God.

Reverend Overly teaches that no one is irredeemable, but even as Ephraim is falling in love with her, Birdie remains convinced that she’s past saving. After all she’s been through, can she ever believe that God’s redemption wipes every soul clean? And can Ephraim convince her that God loves her more than she can grasp—and that he does, too?

Get your copy of The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Sawyer.

Kim Vogel Sawyer grew up in Kansas. All over Kansas. Her dad, an educator by vocation and a house fixer-upper by design, had itchy feet. Consequently, Kim attended seven different schools in five cities before graduating from high school.

Although Kim dreamed of being a writer from her earliest memories—even recalls telling her kindergarten teacher that people would check out her book in libraries someday!—she chose to become an elementary school teacher. She used her degree first in an in-home daycare/preschool, then as a home visitor with Head Start, and finally in a fifth grade classroom. Kim loved the kids, but health challenges (a variety of auto-immune disorders) made it difficult to keep up the pace of full-time teaching.

In 2001, she dropped to part-time status and began using the morning hours at home to write. The characters and stories that had lived in the back of her brain for years found their way from her fingertips onto a computer screen. She made a promise: to never write anything that would embarrass her mother or to write anything she would be embarrassed for her daughters or former students to read.

When Kim isn’t writing, she enjoys traveling with her retired military hubby, quilting, antique-shopping, and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings who are the joys of her life. She likes them even more than chocolate, and that’s saying something.

Visit Kim Sawyer's website.

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Jen Turano is back with us this week, and as you can imagine, we had so much fun. Join us as we talk about her new book, Meeting Her Match. She tells us what she does on release day, how some of her characters get names, and if she laughs or not while she's writing. Patrons, you have a very special bit of bonus content and we discuss some of her many book covers. (Here's your special link, patrons. Be sure to have this page open when we get to your bonus content. https://loom.ly/-Y-N4MY)

Meeting her Match by Jen Turano

Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.

After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.

Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.

Get your copy of Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com – www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor, www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor

Jen is represented by Sarah Younger, senior literary agent, Nancy Yost Literary Agency, New York.

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Amanda Cabot returns to the show this week to talk about her new book, Into the Starlight. We chat about why books set in Texas are more popular than ones set in Wyoming, why our husbands put up with our craziness, and what it means to have a sister. Patrons will also hear about the fear Amanda conquered on a trip to Australia.

Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot

After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.

After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.

As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.

Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.

Get a copy of Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot.

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of more than forty novellas, eight novellas, four nonfiction books, and what she describes as enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city. Her stories have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, have garnered a starred review from Publishers Weekly, were a Woman's World Book Club selection, and have been finalists for the ACFW Carol, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers Best awards.

A former director of information technology for a major international corporation, Amanda is now a full-time writer living happily ever after with her husband in Cheyenne.

Visit Amanda's website.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Thank you all for being patient with me last week. As you know, I didn't get an episode out because I was away from home and reliable internet finishing my next book. To make up for it, there will be two episodes this week, Lord willing. Joanna Politano is up first.

Joanna joins us to talk about her new book, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. We chat about the inspiration for this fabulous book, what film making was like in the very early 1900s, and if Joanna is anything like Lily Temple. Patrons get to hear about her experience homeschooling her kids and how she manages to find time to write.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Politano

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.

Get your copy of The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Politano.

More about Joanna:

I’m a work-from-home mom of two fun and adventurous littles and we’ll soon be homeschooling. I married my hero Vince, who is my love and my polar opposite. I write, he tears it up with the red pen. I break cars and other mechanical things, he puts them back together. He’s nailed the “speak the truth” thing, and I bring the “in love” part. But the real spark to our marriage is that he does not like chocolate and I… like it a normal amount. We love and live from our little house in the woods near Lake Michigan.

Visit Joanna Politano's website.

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Angela Hunt returns to the podcast after some time with her new book, The Sisters of Corinth. We chat about sisterly relationships, the city of Corinth, chickens, and the creative spark in all of us. Patrons will hear about why she went back to school several years ago and got a few advanced degrees.

The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt

"Angela Hunt takes her craft to new heights--and depths--as she fully immerses us in the lives and struggles of first-century followers of Yeshua."--Tamera Alexander, bestselling author on The Woman from Lydia

When the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus, father to Mariana and Prima, is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity to propel himself to greater power and fortune by uniting his and the governor's households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor's firstborn son.

Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis's own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis's urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires--even if it means betraying Mariana to do so.

Get The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt.

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who expect the unexpected in novels. With over five million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 150 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to non-fiction books, to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards–one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, chickens, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in biblical studies in 2008 and her Th.D. in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her pets, of course. She i

Listen on: Apple Podcasts

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The lovely and sweet Grace Hitchcock returns to the podcast this week after a long hiatus, and we had a wonderful chat about her new release, To Catch a Coronet. We talk about her making the switch from the Gilded Age to Regency, how she handles Regency era language, and who her favorite character was to write. Patrons get to hear if she likes to read on Kindle, paperback, or both.

To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock
Sometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence it

Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can't stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it's possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade--one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation.

After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle's title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth.

Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik's ship. Will Muriel's bold charm and Erik's daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks?


"To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock is perfect Regency! This hilarious novel has it all: sparkling dialogue, a spunky heroine with a penchant for baking, and a dreamy hero who loves her in spite of her antics. I loved it and highly recommend!"
--Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author of Fragile Designs

Get a copy of To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock

I have always loved to read. As a child, going to the library was a highlight and I would read through entire shelves of Historical Fiction until every single favorite author’s works were exhausted.

The power of the written word captivated me and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a writer. I wrote my first “novel” as a senior in high school for my English project. Of course, when I read it now, I giggle at my word choice and cringe at my sentence structure, but I had so much fun writing it that I decided to Major in Creative Writing and Minor in History. I loved studying the art of creative writing, so I stayed in school and obtained my Masters in Creative Writing as well.

Visit Grace's website.