Interview with Holly Varni: The Healing Power of Stories, Small Towns, and New Book, The Blooming of Delphinium

Interview with Holly Varni: The Healing Power of Stories, Small Towns, and New Book, The Blooming of Delphinium

In this conversation, Holly Varni shares her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her books, and how her personal experiences—including her battle with cancer—have shaped her writing. We’ll also talk about the importance of older characters in her stories, the healing power of storytelling, and how she balances her private life with the impact of her work. Check out her new book, The Blooming of Delphinium.

Listen to the episode here

Meet Holly Varni

Holly Varni

Holly is the author of the Moonberry Lake series and hosts the podcast Moments from Moonberry Lake. Holly is a native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent. Her storytelling journey began with the quirky characters in her life. She now crafts tales full of relatable, lovable, and laugh-out-loud moments. She lives on the Central Coast of California with her husband and their three sons. When not doing laundry or writing, she has the privilege of being a Hospice volunteer.

Connect with Holly on her website

Follow Holly

Bible Verse for Encouragement

2 Kings 20:5, NKJV Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the Lord , the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.

New Book: The Blooming of Delphinium

Delphinium Hayes is more than meets the eye. The magnetic owner of Moonberry Lake’s flora emporium has the uncanny gift of perceiving a person’s character at their first meeting—whether admirable or shady. This intuition has seen her through the ups and downs of life and has given her a special advantage.

Smooth-talking lawyer Mason McCormack is intrigued by the wild- haired, slightly eccentric florist who reluctantly creates bouquets to help smooth over his many breakups. But what really intrigues him is the group of seniors that have decided to take up temporary residence in the back room of the floral shop. As he becomes entangled in Delphinium’s life, he soon realizes that he must change if he ever wants to find true love.

Elliot Sturgis, director of The Gardens Assisted Living and Senior Care Facility, has his hands full dealing with the wily group of seniors who continue to make unrealistic demands of him and keep sneaking over to the local flower shop. Determined to subdue their plans while still gaining their trust, Elliot and Delphinium must form a united front. But as the two work together, Elliot begins to see their similarities and hopes that Delphinium will open her heart to unexpected love.

Join Varni once again for a charming escape to Moon berry Lake— where sparks fly and opposites attract—even for those who resist it the most.

Get your copy today on Amazon, Baker Book House, or on your favorite book retailer!


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Kelly’s Personal Update

My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming soon to Kickstarter! I’ve been working on the first book for a long time, and God has shown me so much. I can’t wait to share more about it as it goes through the editing process.

Follow on Kickstarter for updates.

Interview with Kimberley Woodhouse: Exploring Faith, Life Lessons, and A Hope Unburied

Interview with Kimberley Woodhouse: Exploring Faith, Life Lessons, and A Hope Unburied

In this episode, Kimberley Woodhouse shares her inspiring journey from musician to bestselling author, highlighting how faith and personal experiences have shaped her storytelling. We also dive into her latest book, A Hope Unburied, and the powerful connection between her research, creativity, and authentic narratives that resonate with readers.

Listen to the episode here

Meet Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty fiction and nonfiction books. In January 2008, Kimberley and her family were introduced to 15 million people when they were featured on ABC’s hit program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Since the ABC show aired, they have been featured on The Discovery Channel, The Montel Williams Show, Focus on the Family’s National Radio Broadcast, Homecoming Magazine, American Family Radio, Chris Fabry Live on Moody Broadcasting, The Harvest Show and many, many more.

Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbabies, and research all the history around them.

Visit Kimberley on her website

Follow Kimberley

Bible Verses for Encouragement

James 1: 2-4, NKJV, My brethren, count it all joy when fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

New Book Release: A Hope Unburied

Eliza Mills was born into a wealthy family with influential friends.

But it was her own effort that landed her a prestigious position at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After years of studying paleontology and countless hours sifting through dirt at various dinosaur digs, she has come into her own. When she is offered a position at the famed Dinosaur National Monument in eastern Utah, Eliza jumps at the chance. This new role is what Eliza has been working towards.

Devin Schmitt has been Eliza’s best friend since childhood. Although he prefers teaching and research, he has often found himself immersed in Eliza’s newest dig. He would love to convey his true feelings for Eliza, but he made a promise, and she’s leaving.

When Eliza gets the chance to dig up bones at a ranch with a dark history, she encourages Devin to join her. But this new adventure sparks a chain of events that will rock the very fabric of her carefully constructed world and entangle both Eliza and Devin in a web of danger.

In a race against time, Devin and Eliza must navigate a treacherous terrain of betrayal in order to unbury the truth and save Eliza from those who wish to see her fail.

Join Kimberley Woodhouse as she plunges readers into a breathtaking journey through the perilous landscapes of the Bone Wars era, where love and ambition collide.

Get your copy at Baker Book House or Amazon

Get updates on our themed book giveaways

Make sure to sign up for our email list and get a link to the most current book giveaway.


Kelly’s Personal Update

My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming soon to Kickstarter! I’m writing Draft #2 and will send it soon for the first round of professional edits.

Follow on Kickstarter for updates and more!

Interview with Kit Tosello, Debut Novel, Sweet Contemporary Romance

Interview with Kit Tosello, Debut Novel, Sweet Contemporary Romance

In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, we welcome Kit Tosello as she shares the heartfelt journey behind her debut novel, The Color of Home. Kit opens up about how her personal experiences with loss, faith, and love have shaped her story, and she delves into themes of courage, hope, and embracing change.

We also explore the importance of family relationships, the evolution of her tea shop business, and how community can uplift us in our faith journeys. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding joy in unexpected places and taking chances on love.

Listen to the episode here:

Meet Kit Tosello

Kit Tosello is an award-winning writer of small-town contemporary fiction with a big heart as well as inspirational essays and devotionals. With her eye trained on the beauty hiding in plain sight all around us, she arranges words with tenderness, humor, and hope.

When not writing, Kit can be found in the loose-tea shop she operates with her husband, exploring the great Pacific Northwest, or enjoying the “great indoors”—bookstores and libraries. Usually with a matcha latte in hand.

Visit Kit at www.KitTosello.com and sign up for her newsletter called “The Tea.”

Bible Verse for Encouragement

Isaiah 43:19, NKJV: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Kit Tosello’s Debut Novel, The Color of Home

Audrey Needham felt she had landed her dream job as an interior designer for the rich and famous. But every job has its drawbacks, and her demanding boss and the competitive nature of her profession are taking a toll.

When she receives a call for help from her Aunt Daisy, she reluctantly agrees to go to her. Although her aunt holds a special place in her heart, Charity Falls brings up suppressed memories of pain.

Shortly after her arrival, Audrey’s life is thrown into upheaval. She is given an indefinite leave from her job, and with no savings, she must accept a temporary job at Homer’s Hardware.

This position is a far cry from her preeminent role as a designer, but it also introduces her to a colorful cast of residents who begin to tug at her heart, including a lonely young girl and an attractive emergency medical pilot.

Audrey is also drawn to the deteriorating inn near her aunt’s home that holds so many of her childhood memories—both good and bad. She is determined to out the party responsible for the inn’s neglect. But doing so will only cause pain to a family she’s come to care about.

Get your copy of The Color of Home today on your favorite retailer:

Amazon

Baker Book House (best price) 

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org (support your independent bookstore)

ChristianBook.com

Books-A-Million

Target

Walmart

Get updates on our themed book giveaways

Make sure to sign up for our email list and get a link to the most current book giveaway.


Kelly’s Personal Update

My debut novel, Finding Forevermore, is coming soon to Kickstarter! I’ve been working on this book for a long time, and God has shown me so much in the process. I can’t wait to share more about it with you as it goes through the editing process.

Follow on Kickstarter for updates.

Interview with R.C. Mogo, Debut Novel, Historical Romance

Interview with R.C. Mogo, Debut Novel, Historical Romance

In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, R.C. Mogo shares how her faith journey influenced her transition from secular writing to Christian romance and her challenges in aligning her work with her beliefs.

R.C. discusses the inspiration behind her protagonist, based on a close friend lost to suicide, and how her historical research uncovered the perfect figures and events for her story. R.C. also emphasizes the importance of planning and outlining and the power of storytelling in conveying messages of faith and personal growth.

Listen to the episode here

Meet R.C. Mogo

RC Mogo

​R.C. Mogo is the pen name for Rebecca Claire Mogollón, who works as an e-learning developer for a California-based tech software company from the comfort of her home in Spring, Texas. She married her first love in 2011, and then birthed her next three loves in 2014, 2017, and 2020. 

​R.C. Mogo comes from a family of brilliant salespeople and a librarian. Being the daughter of a real librarian has given her serious cred her whole life. Nothing sweetens the historical romance author deal more than, “My mom can expedite that interlibrary loan.”

​When her 2-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2020, the world stood still. Writing ground to a halt. Dreams desaturated. Fear threatened to sink its claws in. But, God.

​He made their whole family better off through the trial, with stronger faith and a deeper appreciation for every moment, every laugh, and every sparkle in his eyes. 

When he rang the bell in 2022, the sound that rang out was loud and clear: “The Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting!”

Visit R.C. at her website

Follow R.C. Mogo on social media

R.C. Mogo’s Debut Novel

Innocents of Marbella by R.C. Mogo

15th Century. 

​Gifted linguist Zahra flees to France following a traumatic incident, leaving her baby sister to fend for herself in Marbella. Years later, when a young girl arrives on her doorstep, so begins a divine adventure toward redemption.

Gruff and ill-tempered Englishman Stephen Kempe is on the hunt for his abducted niece, until corrupt church officials accuse him of sorcery and throw him in prison.

While Zahra interprets at the trial of a historic serial killer, the young girl is snatched from her bedchamber. In a desperate attempt to get help, Zahra frees Kempe from jail, only to face betrayal as he thrusts her into a deadly inferno.

But instead of meeting her end, Zahra’s story has just begun.

Get your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Black Rose Writing Website

Bible Verse for Encouragement

Romans 1:16, NLTI am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first, and also the Gentile.” 

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Kelly’s Personal Update

I have been writing like crazy! I just finished my novella, Love in Pages.

Nina LeRoux dreams of opening a bookshop in Elkwood, Pennsylvania, to honor her late mother. But after a crushing setback, the future she’s craved is just outside her reach. Determined to succeed on her own, she’s thrown off guard when Patrick, a local contractor, steps in with an offer to help. Sparks fly in more ways than one, stirring feelings Nina isn’t ready to face.

As the grand opening nears, a sudden accident forces Nina to confront a painful past she’s left behind in France and choose what matters most. Can she hold onto her fierce independence while learning to trust again? Or will her fear of being hurt keep her from embracing the future God’s preparing?

Love in Pages is a story of resilience and the unexpected ways love can rewrite your story. Nina’s journey shows that even in the hardest moments, faith and love can shape the future in ways we never imagined.

This book is a prequel in the Renewed Hearts Series and you can get it here.

Book one of the Renewed Hearts Series will be available for pre-order soon through Kickstarter.


Interview with DiAnn Mills, Romantic Suspense

Interview with DiAnn Mills, Romantic Suspense

In this episode, DiAnn Mills shares her journey into writing, highlighting the importance of confidence and self-challenge. She delves into her love for romantic suspense, the research behind her books, and her new release, Lethal Standoff, exploring family dysfunction and betrayal themes. DiAnn also discusses her mentorship program, the value of critique groups, and her passion for listening and understanding body language. She offers insights into the Bible verses that have inspired her writing career.

Listen to the episode here.

Meet DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists, won two Christy Awards, and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers succeed by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any social media platform.

Visit DiAnn on her website

Follow DiAnn on social media

DiAnn’s New Book Release

Lethal Standoff

Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer.

Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrix brother’s father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up.

As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all.

To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out.

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness.

Recommended for fans of the following:

Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance

Buy from Amazon
Buy from Apple Books

Baker Book House

Buy from Barnes and Noble
Buy from Books-A-Million
Buy from Christian Book Distributor

Get it Local. Today!

Buy from GoodReads
Buy from Google Play
Buy from IndieBound
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Mardel

Murder By The Book

Target

Tyndale

Walmart

Bible Verse for Encouragement

Jeremiah 20:9, NKJV: Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

NIV: But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Chris Voss Masterclass DiAnn mentioned to help guide her writing process

DiAnn’s book club preparation and resources

Get updates on our themed book giveaways

Make sure to sign up for our email list and get a link to the most current book giveaway.


Kelly’s Personal Update

I have been writing like crazy! I just finished my novella, Love in Pages.

Nina LeRoux dreams of opening a bookshop in Elkwood, Pennsylvania, to honor her late mother. But after a crushing setback, the future she’s craved is just outside her reach. Determined to succeed on her own, she’s thrown off guard when Patrick, a local contractor, steps in with an offer to help. Sparks fly in more ways than one, stirring feelings Nina isn’t ready to face.

As the grand opening nears, a sudden accident forces Nina to confront a painful past she’s left behind in France and choose what matters most. Can she hold onto her fierce independence while learning to trust again? Or will her fear of being hurt keep her from embracing the future God’s preparing?

Love in Pages is a story of resilience and the unexpected ways love can rewrite your story. Nina’s journey shows that even in the hardest moments, faith and love can shape the future in ways we never imagined.

This book is a prequel in the Renewed Hearts Series and you can get it here.

Book one of the Renewed Hearts Series will be available for pre-order soon through Kickstarter.