A few years ago I read a book about a woman who visited Ireland and the ensuing story. Well, last month I chatted with her about her Forever Series and especially, Forever Free. Listen in and see why I am excited to check out this series (especially #4!)

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I loved Hope's author history--from the book that people thought was about someone a lot like her to the opposite, to yet another opposite, and back to familiar territory (but not like her again!)

We chatted about learning how to write first a book, then a series, then a novella, and now back to stand alones. I love that she, too, is a discovery writer. With her great ideas, I'm eager for her new book next summer, too

I meant to ask her about reading order, but forgot. I asked after we stopped recording and learned that the books are technically stand alones, but it is a good idea to read from the beginning through to the end.

Forever Free by Hope Toler Dougherty

Phoebe Sinclair combines her love of flowers and teaching to nurture a cut flower business on her grandfather's land. She has her hands full growing the farm, growing her customer base, and dealing with her growing attraction to the aloof man who volunteered to help make her farming dream come true.

Can she focus on her main job, or will a pair of yearning eyes and a hurting heart divert her worthy goals?

Heath Daniels has resigned himself to a life of singleness as he watches his siblings couple up and set wedding dates. Tracking their happiness, however, is more difficult than he expected. A real struggle, in fact.

Feeling old troubles—from the bad time when he dropped out of college to explore less-than-noble pursuits—creep back to tempt him, propelling him to volunteer for manual labor that leaves him exhausted at the end of every day—and out of trouble.

His additional hours of agri-business, however, lead to more struggles with an intriguing farmer. Does he have the strength to resist old temptations as well as a beautiful new one?

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

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Nothing says "sign me up now" than a new book from Becca Wierwille. I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of Road Trip Redemption, and boy was I thrilled. Listen in to see why.

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Full of wonderful lessons that appear naturally within the story rather than feeling placed there for maximum impact (read: SERMON), Road Trip Redemption ends the fabulous Road Trip Series with a bang--and an epic road trip.

I love that while these are unapologetically Christian middle-grade novels, they don't feel like a 19th-century, pin-it-on-the-nose moralistic tale. They're just kids learning the ropes of growing up, making mistakes, learning from them, and coming out better people for it. You know... that humanity thing we're all a part of.

We also chatted about what's coming next, and I, for one, am crazy excited.

Listen to previous episodes here:

Road Trip Rescue: HERE

Road Trip Return: HERE

And listen to their new PODCAST HERE.

Road Trip Redemption by Becca Wierwille

A hopeful adventure for kids ages 8-12 about sisterhood, friendship, and the power of starting over.

Three years ago, Jada Robinson betrayed her best friend.

Now, her family has moved, and thirteen-year-old Jada struggles to make friends. Realizing how it feels to be bullied, she’d give anything to undo the past.

When Jada finds a stray dog, she is sure he’s the same beloved pet her ex-best friend, Kimmy, once lost. This feels like Jada’s chance to make things right.

Jada talks her two older sisters into a trip to Pennsylvania to reunite Kimmy with her furry friend. But as new questions about their canine companion unravel Jada’s plans, she wonders how she’ll face Kimmy after all these years.

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

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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If you love the children's classic, A Little Princess and story of Joseph from the Bible, imagine them set in a fantasy world filled with artists. Listen in while we talk about art academies and princes who don't want to be king!

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Author of books like The Vault between Spaces and Beast, Chawna Schroeder does it again with a wonderful world of art and honor--and the things in between.

Don't forget to check out the seven elements of the school "hidden" (not really but you get the idea) on the cover!

Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder

Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.

Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists.

Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives.

Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear.

Learn more about Chawna 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!