Summer Reading Series with Laura Frantz, The Indigo Heiress Have you ever felt like God has given you a gift—but you’re not sure how to use it, or if you're even the right person for the job? When we struggle with God it can feel like a wilderness season, but when we surrender, we can experience reward that only God can provide. We welcome beloved historical fiction author Laura Frantz to share her journey from private writer to published writer. Laura opens up about how God called her to write—and how she’s learned to partner with Him, even when it’s uncomfortable. We dive into her latest novel, The Indigo Heiress, a rich and immersive story set in colonial Virginia and 18th-century Glasgow. Laura reveals the historical research behind the book, the spiritual themes woven throughout, and how her characters often remind us that we can’t always see someone’s full story at first glance. This episode is a beautiful reminder that God has gifted each of us uniquely, but it's up to us to step forward in faith, trusting Him with the process—and the outcome. Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of numerous historical novels. When not reading and writing, she loves to garden, cook, take long walks, and travel. She is the proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. Though she will always call Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at LauraFrantz.net . Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com For complete Summer Reading List: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading

Summer Reading Series with Lynette Eason, Serial Burn and Final Approach. Known for her gripping plots and faith-filled characters, Lynette Eason opens up about why she writes romantic suspense and how her stories are designed to do more than entertain—they equip readers to live out their faith in the middle of real-life challenges. We talk about what it means to live with purpose, the importance of pursuing the passion God has planted in you, and the deep peace that follows when you're walking in His plan. Lynette’s characters face danger, tension, and high-stakes drama, but they also reflect how everyday believers can cling to their faith through it all. If you’ve ever wondered how fiction can fuel your spiritual walk—or if you just love a page-turner with purpose—this conversation will inspire and encourage you. 🎯 You’ll hear about: • Why Lynette writes romantic suspense with a faith-forward message • How she weaves spiritual truth into high-stakes fiction • Her encouragement to follow God’s calling with courage and peace • The heart behind her newest book and how it fits in your summer reading list About Lynette: Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty books. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award and the inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children. Learn more at www.LynetteEason.com . 📚 Don’t forget to grab your Summer Reading Guide at LisaGranger.com and discover more uplifting stories that speak to your heart. Where to get the books: https://bakerbookhouse.com/ Other romantic suspense author mentioned Lynn Blackburn https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/lynn-blackburn-trusting-god-with-every-twist-in-life

Summer Reading Series with Katie Reid, A Very Bavarian Summer. Communication challenges can create misunderstandings and distance in relationships. When communication breaks down, relationships suffer. Misunderstandings grow, frustrations build, and conflicts become harder to resolve. This is one of the things we talk about with Katie Reid and her latest book, A Very Bavarian Summer. We highlight the importance of open and honest communication, along with how growth happens in layers. Just because we face repeated struggles doesn’t mean healing isn’t occurring. Katie M. Reid is the author of Made Like Martha, God, What Do I Do?, A Very Bavarian Christmas and A Very Bavarian Summer. A dynamic speaker, Katie inspires audiences around the country. She also enjoys coaching creatives. Katie has a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and is a fan of iced tea. Connect with Katie at: katiemreid.com In This Episode, We Discuss: • The difference between writing fiction and non-fiction. • Why communication is key in relationships, whether long-distance or in-person. • How struggling with the same issues doesn’t mean there’s no growth—healing often happens in layers. • The unique gifts God gives each of us to encourage others. Lisa’s podcast that was mentioned: Soak, Wrap, Repeat: How to Heal From the Inside Out https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/soak-wrap-repeat-how-to-heal-from-the-inside-out For complete Summer Reading List: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading

Summer Reading Series with Heather Kaufman, Before the King. Heather shares her powerful journey from aspiring writer to published author of biblical fiction, focusing on her newest novel about Joanna — a courageous, often-overlooked woman in Scripture. We dive deep into the unique tension Joanna experienced as both a supporter of Jesus and the wife of a high-ranking official in Herod Antipas’ court. Heather’s writing brings Joanna’s inner conflict, faith, and bravery to life, reminding us that God pursues us relentlessly and provides what we need—one day at a time. 💬 “There will be manna in the morning. When you wake up, He will give you exactly what you need.” — Heather Kaufman Highlights from the episode: • Heather’s call to write stories that glorify God • Why she chose Joanna and what we can learn from her life • The importance of stewarding our healing • How we can rewrite painful narratives with God’s truth • Courage, obedience, and the power of God’s presence 💬 “Anything we do that is for Him… is going to be hard.” Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Reviews for writing “a charming and well-crafted tale.” She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri. Whether you're facing a hard season or simply needing daily encouragement, this episode will remind you that you are not alone, and He is enough. To connect with Heather Kaufman: https://www.hmkstories.com/ For complete Summer Reading List: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Other show mentioned: Are You Willing to do What it Takes to Live a New Life? https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/are-you-willing-to-do-what-it-takes-to-live-a-new-life

Summer Reading Series with Irene Hannon, Sunrise Reef. If you ever wondered if you could trust God with your gifts and talents, you will not want to miss this conversation with award-winning author, Irene Hannon. We talk about her journey from corporate stability to full-time author and what it looks like to discern God’s direction, step out in faith, and trust that He will use the gifts He placed in you for a greater purpose. Irene Hannon is the bestselling author and award-winning author of more than sixty-five contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Key points: • Her beloved Hope Harbor series and her latest release, Sunrise Reef • How faith guided her leap from a corporate job to a creative calling • The importance of developing the gifts God has given us • The power of keeping an open heart to truly understand others Whether you're a longtime fan of Irene's books or just looking for an encouraging story of trusting God with your path, this episode will uplift and inspire you. 👉 Learn more about Irene and her books at www.irenehannon.com 👉Complete Summer Reading List: www.lisagranger.com

Summer Reading Series with Deborah Raney and Who Touches the Mountains. Looking for some hope that there is healing and redemption after the storms of life? We welcome beloved author Deborah Raney to share the inspiration behind her latest novel, Who Touches the Mountains — a deeply moving story set in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, a region that holds personal significance for her. This special book goes beyond storytelling: a portion of the proceeds supports recovery efforts in the Blue Ridge region, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Deborah opens up about how themes of redemption, healing, and second chances thread through her novels and reflect the real-life strength and beauty of the communities she writes about. 📚 What We Talk About in This Episode: • The real-life inspiration behind Who Touches the Mountains • Why the Blue Ridge Mountains are close to Deborah’s heart • The power of redemption in fiction and in life Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Deborah’s work for the first time, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace hope, restoration, and the healing power of story. Deborah Raney has dreamed of writing books since childhood. Her 40+ books have garnered multiple awards and a movie based on her first book, A Vow to Cherish. Deborah is on faculty for several national writers’ conferences. She is a transplant to Missouri with her husband to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, garage sale dates and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com For the complete summer reading list: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading

Summer Reading Series with Lynn H. Blackburn, Break My Fall What if the winding path you're on isn't a detour—but divine direction? In this episode of our Summer Reading Series, we're joined by the incredible Lynn H. Blackburn to talk about how God truly uses everything—every season, every twist in our journey—for His purpose and glory. Lynn opens up about her own path to becoming a writer and how following God's call isn't always easy, but it is always worth it. We also dive into her latest romantic suspense novel, Break My Fall, and hear about some of the books she's enjoying right now. Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers living vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, SC, with her true love, Brian and their three children. Learn more at LynnHBlackburn.com . Connect on social media with Lynn @LynnHBlackburn Other Summer Reads recommended: Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham and First Love, Second Draft by Becca Kinzer

Summer Reading Series Kickoff: Jill Eileen Smith, Dawn of Grace What if your past didn’t define you—and Jesus met you right where you are, with love and purpose? If we get stuck in the past we cannot walk into our future. Bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith brings Mary Magdalene’s story to life in a way that reminds us: God can use every part of your story in her book Dawn of Grace. We dive into: 💬 Jill’s path to becoming a successful author 📚 Why she chose to tell Mary Magdalene’s story ❤️ How Jesus honors women and meets us exactly where we are 🔥 The importance of aligning our passions with God’s will before pursuing them This conversation will inspire you to reflect, connect deeper with Scripture, and remember the beauty of how God uses our stories—right where we are. Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs and Daughters of the Promised Land, along with more. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in Michigan. Learn more at https://JillEileenSmith.com Facebook: @JillEileenSmith Instagram: @JillEileenSmith Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com