If you've been waiting for the sequel to Love Overboard... It's HERE! And no... you don't want to miss it. Clara and the shippers are back, and the stakes are even higher. Listen in and hear all the fun stuff about this book (and how to help us beg for another one!)

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Okay, so talking about characters? CHECK.

About research and fun? CHECK, CHECK.

Learning about book three... RECORD SCRATCH

Yeah. Guys. We need your help. I want a book three. And Four. And five. But at least a three, right? The only way we can get this is to convince Kregel that we want more.

Add to your reviews, "Can't wait for the next one." Email the publisher with your request HERE: kregelbooks@kregel.com Tag them with your request on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kregelbooks/

Let's make this happen, folks!

Hearts Aweigh by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Cheeky septuagenarian matchmakers, the "Shippers" are on a mission to secure a dreamy Mr. Right for Abby O'Brien, a sunny, optimistic childcare worker for Monarch Cruises. She loves her job looking after the children of vacationing parents, but harbors one unfulfilled desire: to be a wife and a mother.

With his shy five-year-old daughter in tow, divorced elitist lawyer Spencer Randolph Masterson has anything but romance in mind. His goal on the MS Buckingham is to persuade his mother, Daisy, to leave her ridiculous cruise ship lifestyle and return to New Orleans. But Daisy isn't interested in life on land. Besides, she and her matchmaking posse have a marriage to arrange.

Then a secret from Daisy's past surfaces and threats of blackmail start flying, the Shippers must protect their own while attempting to convince Spencer's scarred heart to weigh anchor and boldly set sail for a future with Abby.

Learn more about Shannon on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Don't miss the episode about Love Overboard HERE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Queen of the alliterative series titles, Jordan Millsaps has a new one for us--Marriage on My Mind! Listen in as we chat about Mallory Bradford and her non-existent breakdown (or so she claims). See why I opened it up on Kindle the moment we got out of the interview and read as I cooked dinner.

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Move over "Boyfriend in the Bargain" series, "Marriage on My Mind" is here, and we're kicking off with a woman who just wants to be a wife and mother--and she's determined to have it. Her friends... well, they are going for a modified idea and working on enjoying wedding plans... for a nonexistent wedding.

Don't know about you, but I'm eager for the next one!

Mallory Bradford Is Not Having a Breakdown by Jordan Millsaps

I know what I want, and it’s pretty simple—a husband.

Maybe I sound a tiny bit like a desperate wannabe-housewife, but I like to think of myself as goal-oriented about this situation. Because, unfortunately, I can’t do any of the other things on my five-year plan until I’ve checked that one off.

Thankfully, I have great friends who convince me that I don’t need a man to do all the things on my list. At their encouragement, I’m jumping into the fun parts of planning a wedding—tasting cake samples, trying on beautiful dresses, and taking dance lessons.

I expect it to be a fun distraction to keep me sane while I continue my hunt for a husband. What I don’t expect is for my coworker Daniel to volunteer when I need a partner for some of these activities, or for people to continuously mistake him for my fiancé.

Learn more about Jordan Millsaps on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Don't miss Jordan's earlier episode HERE.

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Love suspense that keeps you convinced that nothing will ever go right again? Love characters you fall in love with on the first page? Love wondering how these guys are going to get out of the terrifying situations authors put them in? Well, you've not seen anything until you've read a Laura Thomas book. Listen in for a glimpse of what you'll find in her newest release, The Final Word.

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When it comes to research, Laura Thomas goes all out.

A trip to Paris? If she has to...

Off to England to find the perfect pink cottage? YEP!

How about returning to give the owner of that cottage a copy of the book inspired by that cottage? You betcha!

And we only have to wait a YEAR for the next book.

*whimpers*

The Final Word by Laura Thomas

When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night.

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer—until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope ... if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold.

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives.

Learn more about Laura on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

To learn about Captured in Frame, listen HERE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Oh, wow. When I read the synopsis for House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I knew this was going to be a fabulous book. Forget all the endorsements and starred reviews, listen in to hear just how awesome this book is!

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When Margaret described the story within House of Honor, I not only learned a lot of art history, but I got a taste of Italy (sadly, without pasta and gelato... sniff). I can't wait to see what she coes up with next.

House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Two Italian sons, one woman, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.

As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they're willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything.

House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.

Learn more about Margaret on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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I don't know about you, but a book focused on Tampa's mafia? Sign me up! Listen in as I chat with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell and discover a side of Tampa I've never heard about!

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Suspense... romance... organized crime... and a COAST GUARD VETERAN? Well, come on!

Kristen gives us insight into this book and what is coming up next!

Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

You can’t watch your own back.

Private Investigator Avery Reynolds leads the charge to expose Tampa's supposedly “extinct” mob. The crime boss responsible for her foster brother’s death is within her grasp—until she hits a wall in the form of Ethan Bridger, a Coast Guard veteran who unknowingly derails her sting operation. When the elusive “Big Eddie” comes out of hiding, he targets their mutual friends about to tie the knot.

Avery sets aside her angst toward Ethan to focus on ending the crime boss’s reign of terror. But working together exposes her trust issues and his PTSD stemming from a comrade's tragedy. When Avery goes solo into a prisoner exchange operation, she discovers her vulnerability too late—and must lean on Ethan and the God she thought had abandoned her. But will that help reach her in time?

Don't miss the first episode about Take My Hand HERE.

Learn more about Kristen on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Chatting with Suzanne Woods Fisher is always a pleasure, and this interview was delightful as well. Learning all about her new series got me excited to read her latest release, Capture the Moment. Listen in and see what's up with her national parks series!

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Photography is something we don't see enough of in Christian fiction. Maybe I've just missed all the books, but I can only name a small handful with that as a key component of the story. Add to that a bear and a bunch of people wanting photos of it, oh... and this park ranger who might actually help out with the capturing of this photo and...

SUSPENSE? What? EEEP! I mean, I'm calling it suspense, because like, duh! Someone with not-so-good motives toward a bear and anyone who gets in the way of said bear? TOTALLY suspenseful in my book.

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

She's ready for adventure--isn't she?

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It's the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain--and the bears--better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance and summer read by Suzanne Woods Fisher for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts set in Grand Teton National Park.

You can learn more about Suzanne from her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Nothing says excitement like a middle-grade fantasy, and well, Rachel Keith's Squad Rising sounds perfect to me. Listen in and see why I'm excited about this new series.

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Rachel and I had a blast talking about the origin of this series, the videos she's made for YouTube (don't miss the Hershey's Kisses video!!!), and her little Calico Critters decked out to look like her characters.

The Squad: Rising by Rachel Keith

Peacekeeping is a privilege… and a punishment.

The world of Neftar, inhabited by animal people, brims with advanced technology, fantastical beasts… and plenty of hardships. Freedom once reigned supreme—now, selfish evils seek to tear freedom down.

Tina the wolf and her squad of powerful siblings have become peacekeepers and freedom fighters for their people. But Tina herself harbors a dangerous secret. In the midst of freeing her kin, can she free herself from the bonds of her secret?

Learn more about Rachel on her WEBSITE.

If you want to support Rachel's fundraising efforts to get this series going, you can do that HERE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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If you love historical fiction and want books set in places other than North America or England, Lynn U. Watson has a series for you. Listen in to see what you'll find in Frayed Promises.

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Set in the late 19th century, Frayed Promises is full of family drama and life lessons we could all use a reminder on.

Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson

Sequel to The BookFest® Award Winner, Tangled Promises

Wurttemberg, Germany, 1881

“I’ll keep your secret. But, Clara.” Oma looked her granddaughter in the eye. “Choices carry consequences.”

Clara and Daniel--the Baron’s daughter and the family carriage driver, followed their hearts and married secretly, circumventing nobility’s rules. They conduct their lives separately while sneaking every opportunity to be together. When Clara is forced to reveal her marriage, can she also hide the life growing inside her, and what punishment awaits from her father?

If Vati sends her away, Daniel promises to follow. But unexpected family troubles bring them face-to-face with the words of Proverbs 16:9. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Her grandmother’s last warning spins like a tempest threatening to shipwreck their joy and fray every promise they have made.

Will they trust that God gives impossibilities beautiful endings?

If you enjoy stories of faith in the face of society's pressures and trusting God in times of struggle, you'll love this closed-door romance that will keep you guessing until the end. For readers of Tracie Peterson and Ann H. Gabhart.

NOTE: Inconvenient pregnancy, sanctity of life, and past abortion are a part of this story—handled with gentleness and grace.

Learn more about Lynn on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Also, don't miss the episode about Tangled Promises HERE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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