In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly chats with Mesu Andrews, the award-winning author behind Brave: The Story of Ahinoam. Mesu opens up about her challenging faith journey, where the Word of God was once used as a weapon during her childhood, pushing her toward alcoholism and away from God. She also shares her own love story and how she rediscovered the wonderful truth that God’s love shines from Genesis to Revelation. Get ready to be encouraged by Mesu’s testimony of redemption, grace, and unending hope.
Bestselling author Mesu Andrews has repeatedly proven her ability to breathe new life into the powerful stories of the Old Testament. From Job’s costly faithfulness in ECPA’s Book of the Year Love Amid the Ashes, to walking alongside Leah, Jacob’s neglected wife, in The Reluctant Rival, Mesu’s novels consistently tell of God’s transformative love for His people and move the hearts of her readers, inspiring them to dive deeper into His word.
Now kicking off a new series centering on the influential women who loved—and were loved by—King David, Andrews weaves a gripping narrative that redefines what it means to be courageous in Brave: The Story of Ahinoam, book one of the KING DAVID’S BRIDES series.
In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam—a fierce and unconventional Kenite woman–flees her family farm with her dagger-wielding father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul’s treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam’s conviction that David’s anointing makes him Yahweh’s chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab, only to encounter hardship and betrayal.
Amid the unforgiving Judean wilderness, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David’s sister, Zeruiah. Through her Kenite metalworking heritage, Ahinoam gains respect among David’s army, and the soldiers’ wives offer friendship.
However, scarred by painful past relationships, Ahinoam isolates to avoid new friendships and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king.
As Ahinoam’s heart grapples for footing, King Saul’s army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to love Israel’s next king?
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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. I can’t wait to share more about it with you as it goes through the editing process.
In this episode, Kelly chats with Valicity Elaine, an independent author and founder of The Rebel Christian Publishing, to explore her unique genre of dark Christian romance. Valicity shares how she pioneered this new blend of faith and romance, tackling real-world challenges through stories like Withered Rose, which delves into the theme of being unequally yoked in a marriage. She opens up about her journey, her stories’ impact on readers, and the lessons she’s learned from facing negative reviews. Valicity encourages aspiring writers to embrace their vision and persevere through criticism.
Valicity Elaine is an indie author and TikTok influencer known for her dark Christian romance stories that blend challenging themes with faith-based characters navigating real-world struggles. As the founder of The Rebel Christian Publishing, she brings a vibrant, authentic approach to her work, driven by faith. She dedicates her time to writing, editing, and connecting with readers through TikTok. Her stories resonate by offering readers engagement and a means to cope with life’s hardships.
Genesis 50:20, NKJV: But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
Valicity’s Book: Withered Rose
What happens when a Christian woman and a mafia boss fall in love? Their passion breeds chaos.
Rosa and Amory have no business getting involved with one another but they also have no choice. Rosa is Amory’s captive bride, kidnapped and forced to marry him as payment for her brother’s debt. All she wants is to live a life free of crime and violence but now she’s shackled to the most dangerous man in New York City. Only God can help her now.
Meanwhile, Amory is looking forward to having a beautiful young bride. But Amory is a mafia underboss and Rosa is a Christian woman. Her faith is standing right between them, and he hates that. The sting of her refusal to marry him runs deep. But something in Amory feels drawn to Rosa, despite their differences.
Maybe she is the calm to his storm, maybe he is the chaos she secretly craves. Whatever the case, they’re in it together.
*****DISCLAIMER/WARNING*****
Withered Rose is a Christian story. There is no vulgar foul language and no graphic scenes of sex, violence, or gore. However, our characters are members of the mafia which may present an environment some readers consider triggering. Topics such as gang violence, abuse, and distribution of illegal substances will be introduced throughout the book.
This novel is appropriate for mature audiences ages 17+ Please read at your own discretion.
Sign up for our email list below and get a link to the most current book giveaway or visit ChristianRomancePodcast.com
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. I can’t wait to share more with you as it goes through the editing process.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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