In this moving episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, we’re joined by award-winning author and missionary Elizabeth Musser, whose powerful new novel, From the Valley We Rise, explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and finding beauty among the ruins. Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from writing poetry at age six to serving over 40 years in missions in France, and how God wove her love for storytelling and service together in the most unexpected ways.
We dive deep into the inspiration behind her newest historical romance, set during the lesser-known Allied invasion of Provence in WWII. With rich historical detail, complex characters, and not one, buttwo deeply moving love stories, this book is a beautiful reflection of Isaiah 61 and God’s ability to rebuild what’s been devastated.
If you’ve ever struggled with brokenness, regret, or feeling disqualified, this conversation will uplift your spirit and remind you of the redeeming power of grace.
Elizabeth Musser writes “entertainment with a soul” from her writing chalet (a toolshed) outside Lyon, France. A Carol Award winner and Christy Award and Georgia Author of the Year finalist, Elizabeth’s critically acclaimed novels have been translated into multiple languages and have been international bestsellers. The Swan House was named one of Georgia’s Top Ten Novels of the Past 100 Years. By Way of the Moonlight was a Publishers Weekly Top Ten Pick in Religion and Spirituality. Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have worked with the nonprofit One Collective for over forty years.
Isaiah 61:4 (NKJV) “And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.”
Elizabeth Musser’s New Book: From the Valley We Rise
Loyalty during Peril In the heart of war-torn France, Isabelle Seauve’s resolve is tested after her father sacrifices his life to protect her involvement in the French Resistance. Heartbroken, Isabelle becomes more dedicated to hiding Jewish children in and near the village of Sisteron despite the growing danger when she discovers a traitor within the Resistance ranks.
Truth amid Deception As the shadow of betrayal looms, Isabelle’s world collides with that of US Army Chaplain Peter Christensen, who carries emotional scars from his first position in Kentucky and his service in North Africa. Together, they face the brutal reality of war as the second D-Day–the Allied invasion of Provence–unfolds.
Bravery through Trial Fifteen-year-old René Amblard narrowly escapes a devastating German attack that claims the lives of his mother and their fellow Maquis fighters. With a Jewish orphan girl at his side, René seeks out his cousin, Isabelle, for refuge while he contemplates revenge.
When the bombs of Operation Dragoon begin to fall, this unlikely group of heroes must find freedom in their souls before they can rebuild what has been destroyed.
💞 Tropes in From the Valley We Rise
Wartime Romance
Slow Burn
Redemption Arc
Found Family
Grumpy Meets Sunshine (Peter & Isabelle)
Protector Hero (Renee’s story)
Secret Identity (Jewish orphan hidden as someone else)
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
If you missed out on my debut novel Finding Forevermore on Kickstarter, no worries. You’ll have a chance to get the book at a later time once it officially launches across retailers like Amazon.
I’ll share more updates by joining my free email list and you’ll get all kind of goodies! Visit my website here to sign up
In this heartwarming episode, Wendy Galinetti chats about her incredible writing journey—from penning church skits to being selected by Sunrise Publishing to co-author a Western historical romance in a shared world with Lacey Williams! Wendy shares the story behind her debut novel A Dangerous Heart, part of the Wind River Mail-Order Bride series, and the redemptive themes woven throughout the love story between Isaac, a U.S. Marshal with a broken past, and Claire, a woman fleeing her outlaw family in search of a new name and future. We talk grit, grace, swoony heroes, and how God redeems our stories, one step of faith at a time.
Wendy Galinetti writes contemporary and historical western romance set in rugged landscapes and small towns. Her stories blend grit, grace, and the kind of love worth fighting for—whether on a windswept frontier or a modern-day ranch. Raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she now makes her home in the mitten, where she and her husband of over 40 years serve together in the church they planted. A mom and GiGi, Wendy is fueled by biblical wisdom, strong coffee, and the power of story to remind us that grace runs deep and redemption is always possible.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)
Wendy Galinetti’s New Book: A Dangerous Heart (Wind River Mail Order Brides Book 4)
Former U.S. Marshal Isaac McGraw wants nothing more than to forget his past and live in isolation on the family ranch. But his meddling family has cooked up other plans—plans that include matching Isaac with a mail-order bride who has two young boys in tow.
There’s something about Clare Ferguson that bothers Isaac…more than the haunted look in her eyes and the way she’s constantly glancing over her shoulder. Against his will—and better judgment—he finds himself drawn to Clare and her cheery disposition.
When Clare’s secret past and relationship to an infamous outlaw is revealed, Isaac must break free from the chains of his past to keep his new family safe…
💞 Tropes in A Dangerous Heart (Wind River Mail Order Brides Book 4)
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
If you missed out on my debut novel Finding Forevermore on Kickstarter, no worries. You’ll have a chance to get the book at a later time once it officially launches across retailers like Amazon.
I’ll share more updates by joining my free email list and you’ll get all kind of goodies! Visit my website here to sign up
In this heartfelt episode, bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to chat with Kelly about her latest romantic suspense novel, Unshaken — a thrilling standalone set in the hauntingly quiet Amish community of Crittenden County, Kentucky. Shelley opens up about her creative process, overcoming writer’s block with unexpected help from neighbors, and how her characters wrestle with faith, fear, and redemption. This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and a beautiful reminder that in Christ, we are all made new. Plus, Unshaken is included in this month’s special giveaway!
With more than 2 million copies of her books sold, Shelley Shepard Gray has mastered the delicate balance of faith, romance, and suspense that readers have come to expect. In her newest standalone novel, Unshaken, Gray offers a tension-filled, tightly written tale that is sure to thrill fans of both Amish fiction and romantic suspense.
Shelley Shepard Gray is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Unforgiven and Unforgotten. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Shelley Shepard Gray’s New Book: Unshaken
He helps her hide until danger has passed. She hopes her cover lasts long enough.
When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn’t find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman.
Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev–which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate–and there’s no telling what lengths he will go.
PRAISE FOR UNFORGOTTEN “Readers won’t be able to resist the propulsive plotting. This begs to be read in one sitting.”—Publishers Weekly
“This uplifting story of healing reminds readers that God’s love and grace endures even within one’s trauma and fear.”—Booklist
This tension-filled tale is sure to thrill fans of Amish fiction and romantic suspense alike. Acclaimed author threads together themes of protective hero, fish out of water, and confronting trauma.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
If you missed out on my debut novel Finding Forevermore on Kickstarter, no worries. You’ll have a chance to get the book at a later time once it officially launches across retailers like Amazon.
I’ll share more updates by joining my free email list and you’ll get all kind of goodies! Visit my website here to sign up
In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, we welcome back beloved author (and official friend of the show) Tracie Peterson to chat about her newest release, Designed with Love, book two in The Hope of Cheyenne series. Tracie opens up about the inspiration behind her spirited heroine Emma, the real-life roots of her unforgettable character Rosie, and the grace-filled message woven through this historical romance. With themes of redemption, second chances, and the transforming power of God’s love, this conversation will uplift your heart and have you reaching for Tracie’s books—and maybe a few tissues too. Join us as we talk about writing as ministry, fun versus faith, and why sometimes the most unlikely characters bring us the deepest joy.
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 145 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
Tracie Peterson’s New Book: Designed With Love
Love weaves together two determined hearts through even the most unexpected paths.
After being widowed on her wedding day, Emma Johnson moves to Cheyenne with her sister-in-law to start over. Emma’s life has been marked by wild living and a desire for fun, but the death of her husband forces her to reconsider her priorities. Her brother-in-law Colton Benton travels with them, intending to help Emma get established, but she becomes wary of Colton’s intentions, wondering if he is genuinely interested in her or merely after his brother’s inheritance–which is now hers.
Colton has harbored feelings for Emma since they first met, and he is caught between his love for her and the pressure from his brothers to marry her for the family’s financial benefit. As they settle into Cheyenne, Colton tries to balance his business dealings with the Union Pacific and his growing affection for Emma. With his sister’s simple yet profound faith in God as inspiration amidst their struggles, Emma and Colton will be challenged to believe that a divine plan is intricately woven into their lives.
💞 Tropes in Designed With Love
Second Chance Romance
Opposites Attract
Redemption Arc
Strong Female Lead
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Hidden Gem (Heroine helps overlooked character shine)
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
If you missed out on my debut novel Finding Forevermore on Kickstarter, no worries. You’ll have a chance to get the book at a later time once it officially launches across retailers like Amazon.
I’ll share more updates by joining my free email list and you’ll get all kind of goodies! Visit my website here to sign up
In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, we welcome author Kelly Fernlake, whose new release Lady of Shadows (Book 3 in the Blood of Kings Legend series with Sunrise Publishing) blends clean romantasy, heartfelt redemption, and swoony forbidden love. Kelly shares her writing journey (14 years in the making) and how God’s timing, community, and a passion for clean storytelling led her to this beautiful co-written project with Jill Williamson.
We dive deep into the themes offaith, protection, and second chances, explore the world of Arretts, and fall head over heels for Lady Tara and her fiercely loyal bodyguard, Carmack. Kelly also shares the Bible verse that has guided her entire writing path and what it means to co-create stories that point readers to Jesus—whether subtly or overtly.
If you’re craving a faith-filled romance with fantasy flair, noble themes, and characters you can root for, you won’t want to miss this chat!
Kelly Fernlake crafts sweet, no-spice romantasy novels infused with Christian themes, weaving tales of love, adventure, and timeless truth. A former attorney turned stay-at-home mom, she hails from a tiny town in North Dakota and now resides in Florida, where she and her husband will soon embrace the bittersweetness of an empty nest. When Kelly’s not writing, you’ll find her on her back patio, with a dog on her lap and a book in hand, savoring dark chocolate and watching the sunset over the lake. A lover of classic old movies, hockey, and travel, especially to castle-dotted landscapes, she brings her passion for storytelling and her journey of faith to every page.
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” —1 John 1:4 (NKJV)
Kelly Fernlake’s New Book: Lady of Shadows (Blood of Kings: Legends, Book 3)
The only man she loves is the one she can never have…
Lady Tara’s dreams of marrying for love were shattered with her arranged marriage to the sickly Lord Gershom. Fine. She may not have love, but she has purpose—a position of power that lets her make a difference in the kingdom. At least her Carmack, her fiercely loyal shield, remains by her side, even if she must deny her heart.
Then Lord Gershom dies. And to her horror, Carmack is blamed. Branded a traitor, he flees, forcing Tara to choose between protecting the life she’s built or following the man she loves.
Loving her might cost him everything…
Carmack Demry has secretly loved Lady Tara all his life, sworn to protect her at any cost—even if it meant watching her wed another man. But now, accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he’s on the run because staying away is the only way to keep her safe. Except Tara has other plans.
Determined to clear his name, she plunges into a web of treachery and deceit that reaches far beyond them both—one that threatens the very heart of the kingdom. Together, they must navigate a world of danger, unravel a conspiracy, and face a choice more perilous than any battlefield: deny their love or risk everything to claim it.
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!
If you missed out on my debut novel Finding Forevermore on Kickstarter, no worries. You’ll have a chance to get the book at a later time once it officially launches across retailers like Amazon.
I’ll share more updates by joining my free email list and you’ll get all kind of goodies! Visit my website here to sign up
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