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
In this interview with Angela Carlisle, author of the Secrets of Kincaid romantic suspense series, she shares her journey from growing up proofreading her father’s stories to becoming a “line editing ninja” and published Bethany House author. In this episode, Angela pulls back the curtain on Shadowed Witness, book two in her series, where photographer Allie witnesses a murder no one believes happened. Angela discusses weaving faith and hope into suspenseful plots, crafting characters readers love, and the deep encouragement she draws from Psalm 42. This conversation is a heart-pounding blend of mystery, romance, and the reminder that God can be trusted no matter what.
Angela Carlisleresides in the hills of northern Kentucky and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN. Angela’s debut novel, Secondary Target, was a Parable Weekly top seller and was included in the Library Journal Stars So Far listing. Angela is an editor by day and prefers to spend her free time reading, baking, and drinking ridiculous quantities of hot tea.
Psalm 42:8, NKJV “The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.”
Angela Carlisle’s New Book: Shadowed Witness
A haunting attack. A killer in the shadows. A protective love.
Murder–that’s what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs outside her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.
Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye’s report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again.
“Fans of romantic suspense, add Angela Carlisle to your must-read list!”–Lynn H. Blackburn, bestselling and award-winning author
“Make room on your shelves–this is a keeper!”–Jaime Jo Wright, bestselling author on Secondary Target
“Surprising twists and unfolding mysteries kept me turning pages until the end.”–Jerusha Agen author of the Guardians Unleashed series on Secondary Target
Pick up this thrilling ride of romantic suspense with themes of danger, psychological intrigue, friends to more, and a small-town investigation. Readers of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey will love this twisty read.
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
This interview with Elizabeth Goddard, bestselling author of Christian romantic suspense, brings us back to the windswept cliffs of Hidden Bay in book two of her Hidden Bay Series, Perilous Tides. In this heart-pounding episode, we dive into the beauty and danger of the Washington coast, forensic artistry, and the powerful story of Jo—a woman on the run and a heroine you’ll root for from the first page. Elizabeth shares how faith, second chances, and suspenseful romance all weave together in this story of healing and hope. We also chat about storm-watching lodges (yes, it’s a real thing!), what it’s like to write with God, and why this series has captured readers’ hearts. Grab your cozy blanket and prepare to be inspired!
Elizabeth Goddard is the PW, ECPA, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of over sixty novels, including the Missing in Alaska and Rocky Mountain Courage series. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. She is a Christy Award, Carol Award and two-time Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry.
Psalm 23:2, NKJV “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”
Elizabeth’s New Book: Perilous Tides
High-Stakes Romantic Suspense from USA Today Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard
Three years after her mother’s suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder–and becomes a target.
More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her–none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother’s death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together.
As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed.
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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