In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly chats with author Ann Swindell about her journey from nonfiction to fiction writing and her passion for weaving gospel themes into compelling stories. Together, they discuss the spiritual and emotional challenges faced by Ellie, the protagonist in Ann’s historical fiction novel Christmas in the Castle Library, as she uncovers the mystery of a missing queen while wrestling with themes of body image, self-worth, and the transformative power of love. Ann also shares insights into blending real history with creative storytelling and her mission to empower women writers through her online ministry, Writing with Grace. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about finding strength in weakness, embracing your unique story, and discovering the redeeming love of God.
ANN SWINDELL writes stories that point to Christ’s presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the author of multiple books and the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family…usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand.
1 John 4:15, NKJVWhoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
Matthew 6:25, NKJVTherefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
New Book: Christmas in the Castle Library
Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday.
Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.
In this heartfelt episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly sits down with author Tasha Hackett for a soul-stirring conversation about faith, family, and the power of storytelling. Tasha opens up about her journey as a Christian romance author, the impact of her ADHD diagnosis, and how her own life experiences shape her beautifully flawed and resilient characters. Together, we explore the joys and exhaustion of parenthood, the empowerment of women in her historical narratives, and the healing power of writing through grief and self-acceptance. Tasha also shares the vital role of friendship in her writing process and how reader feedback continues to inspire her creative journey. If you’re a fan of authentic storytelling, historical romance, and heartfelt conversations, this episode is for you!
Tasha Hackett is a Christian romance author who writes with hope and humor to encourage and entertain. She holds a B.A. in English and English Education with a minor in theatre from York University, where she also married her husband, who was also her best friend. Her debut novel, Bluebird on the Prairie, is a historical romance exploring themes of hope, grief, and finding love again. She is also the author of Wildflower on the Prairie, the second novel in the Hearts of the Midwest series, and Waiting for Gilbert, a small-town holiday romance inspired by Anne of Green Gables.
In addition to her writing, Tasha is a dedicated homemaker and mother of four. Balancing her creative endeavors with family life, Tasha continues to craft stories that resonate with readers seeking uplifting and heartfelt romance.
1 Peter 2:9, NKJVBut you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Tasha’s New Book: Waiting for Gilbert
“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a phone, asking her landlord to come to dinner.”
Cute and fun Cordelia is history. From now on, I’m serious and focused CJ Thompson. No more snappy one-liners. No more dance-parties-for-one in restaurant booths. Anne-girl is out. Marilla Cuthbert is in. It’s time to grow up! If only it were that easy. With less than two weeks until a massive work deadline, I signed a 12-month lease on a cottage sight-unseen because I couldn’t bear to stay in the city another day after my broken engagement. It’s all well and good until my landlord knocks on my door at two in the morning.
Who knew living next to a house-flipping, cello-playing, swooney-smiling, flesh-and-blood man named Gilbert would be so distracting?
To Do… 17. Finish unpacking 18. Drink coffee 19. Ask Gilbert to marry me
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In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, bestselling author Tessa Afshar shares her incredible journey from growing up in a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East to becoming a beloved Christian author. Tessa opens up about overcoming rejection and self-doubt, leaning on God-confidence rather than self-confidence. She reflects on how her personal scars inspire her storytelling and the healing power of writing.
We also dive into the fascinating research process behind her novels, including her latest release, The Queen’s Cook. Tessa explores themes of love, purpose, and the struggles of being unequally yoked in relationships, weaving in connections to the biblical story of Esther. This conversation is filled with wisdom on faith, trusting God’s timing, and finding anchor points in life. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!
Tessa Afshar’s biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Tessa’s books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book Awards, and are Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Award finalists. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.
Esther 4:14, NKJV: For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
New Book: The Queen’s Cook
In ancient Persia, the empire’s Jewish citizens face an edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a disgraced Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings.
Instead, he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother, Roxannah approaches Adin—the man whose kind eyes still haunt her—to help her find employment in Queen Esther’s kitchens.
In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther, who is herself navigating treacherous palace politics as whispers denounce her inability to produce an heir.
When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife and Esther’s archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther’s reign hangs in the balance.
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