Episodes

  • Stories That Changed Everything with Lynne Gentry

    Stories That Changed Everything with Lynne Gentry
    Jan 4 2025
    In this episode of Christian Readers Community, I sit down with USA Today Bestselling Author Lynne Gentry to discuss the transformative power of storytelling and its role in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Lynne dives deep into how the parables of Jesus conveyed profound spiritual truths, leaving an indelible mark on His followers and shaping the foundation of Christianity as we know it today

    As a seasoned writer and Bible teacher with over 20 years of experience, Lynne also shares her personal journey as an author, revealing what inspires her work and sustains her passion for storytelling. You won’t want to miss her heartfelt reading of an excerpt from her latest book, Stories That Changed Everything The Parables of Jesus Christ, where she brings the timeless lessons of Jesus to life

    Whether you're a seasoned believer, a new follower of Christ, or simply curious about the impact of faith-based storytelling, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to share your own redemption story

    About Lynne Gentry
    Lynne Gentry is a USA Today Bestselling Author of 20+ fiction books, a speaker, and a Bible teacher. With 30 years of experience supporting her husband in pastoral ministry, Lynne has a deep background in women's ministry, writing, and leading Bible studies. Her passion is to ground believers in the Word of God, encourage them to deepen their relationship with Christ, and equip them to share their redemption stories. Learn more about Lynne at www.lynnegentry.com
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    21 mins
  • Jennifer Sienes Speaks About Her Tagline, "Where Crisis and Christ Collide", and Her Latest Christmas Novella

    Jennifer Sienes Speaks About Her Tagline, "Where Crisis and Christ Collide", and Her Latest Christmas Novella
    Dec 22 2024
    "Where crisis and Christ collide"—a tagline that perfectly captures the heart of Jennifer Sienes’ stories. In this episode, I chat with award-winning author Jennifer Sienes about the origins of her powerful tagline, her journey as a writer, and the inspirations that shaped her career. Jennifer shares how life’s challenges have fueled her faith-driven fiction, including her heartwarming Christmas novella, A Canine Christmas.

    If you’re searching for one more book to add to your Christmas reading list, this episode is a must-listen. Jennifer’s storytelling blends faith, romance, and authenticity, offering readers a fresh perspective on navigating life’s trials with hope and grace.

    About Jennifer Sienes:
    Award-winning author Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered that life experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance, and writing—and combines them in her inspirational contemporary fiction. Two of her novels in the Apple Hill Series (set in Northern California) are inspired by real-life events. Her Southern fiction Bedford County Series is set in Tennessee, where she now resides with her husband, her real-life hero.
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    26 mins
  • a Perfect Book for Christmas: Exploring The Return of the Magi by Barry Kukovich

    a Perfect Book for Christmas: Exploring The Return of the Magi by Barry Kukovich
    Dec 11 2024
    On this episode, I sit down with Barry Kukovich, the author of The Return of the Magi. Barry takes us behind the scenes of his richly detailed and imaginative novel that reimagines the journey of the Magi after the crucifixion of Jesus. We explore the inspiration behind this fascinating story, the challenges of intertwining faith and history, and the profound themes of light, shadow, and spiritual exploration.

    Through our conversation, Barry sheds light on his meticulous research, the cultural and religious intersections that define his characters, and the personal philosophies that guided him in crafting such a compelling narrative. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, an explorer of spiritual themes, or someone who loves richly developed characters, this episode offers deep insights into the mind of a master storyteller.

    About Barry Kukovich:
    Barry Kukovich is a native of western Pennsylvania and a talented author with a gift for blending speculative fiction, historical depth, and poetic artistry. His works include The Church of Wolves, a speculative fiction novel, and poetry featured in publications such as This Singing World and Wellspring. Barry’s latest novel, The Return of the Magi, vividly explores themes of faith, doubt, and the interplay between light and shadow, set against the historical backdrop of the Parthian Empire and early Christianity. His passion for storytelling continues to inspire and captivate readers worldwide.

    **Connect with Barry:**
    For more about Barry and his work, find *The Return of the Magi* on amazon.com: https://a.co/d/gWNx5C9
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    23 mins
  • Discussing 'A Pastor's Daughter Diary' with Praise Abraham

    Discussing 'A Pastor's Daughter Diary' with Praise Abraham
    Dec 2 2024
    On this episode, we sit down with Praise Chidinma Abraham, fondly known as PeculiarPraise. We dive into her inspiring journey as an author, exploring the creative process behind her debut novel, A Pastor's Daughter Diary. Praise shares how her faith and experiences shape her stories, offering listeners a glimpse into her world of speculative and Christian fiction.

    Praise is not just crafting stories. As a graphics designer, content writer and editor, Praise is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world.

    Tune in to discover what drives her passion, the challenges she’s faced that shaped her creative storytelling, and the message she hopes to leave with readers.

    About Praise Chidinma Abraham:
    Praise Chidinma Abraham, also known as PeculiarPraise, is a fast-budding speculative and Christian fiction writer. An architecture student at Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun State, Nigeria, she is passionate about exploring historic, present, and futuristic worlds through storytelling. When not writing, she enjoys reading, designing, or spending time with her invisible bestie.

    Connect with Praise:
    Instagram: [@peculiarpraise1](https://www.instagram.com/pecu...
    Facebook: [Praise Abraham (PeculiarPraise)](https://www.facebook.com/)
    Twitter: [@peculiar1praise](https://twitter.com/peculiar1p...
    Find all her links: [Praise Abraham's Page](https://pagechap.me/PeculiarPr...
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    23 mins
  • michelle-shocklee Talks About Her Latest, All We Thought We Knew

    michelle-shocklee Talks About Her Latest, All We Thought We Knew
    Nov 25 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author Michelle Shocklee to discuss her breathtaking new novel, All We Thought We Knew. Released on October 1st, this deeply moving story follows the lives of two women: Mattie Taylor, navigating loss and family secrets in 1969, and Ava Delaney, grappling with love and injustice during World War II. Through these dual timelines, Michelle explores themes of faith, reconciliation, and the powerful legacy of love amidst unimaginable challenges.

    Michelle shares her inspiration for the novel, her meticulous research process, and the importance of telling redemptive stories that resonate across generations. We dive into her favorite scenes, the characters closest to her heart, and what she hopes readers will take away from this unforgettable story.

    About Michelle Shocklee
    Michelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels, including Appalachian Song, Count the Nights by Stars (a Christianity Today Fiction Book Award winner), and Under the Tulip Tree (a Christy and Selah Awards finalist). Her work has been featured in multiple *Chicken Soup for the Soul* books, magazines, and blogs. Married to her college sweetheart, she is the proud mother of two grown sons and resides in Tennessee, not far from the historical sites that inspire her writing.

    Connect with Michelle Shocklee
    https://www.tyndale.com/author...
    https://www.tyndale.com/p/all-...

    Tune in to hear Michelle's insights and discover why All We Thought We Knew is a must-read for fans of historical fiction that blends heart, history, and hope.
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    18 mins
  • From Life to Fiction: Natalie Burton on A Journey of Love and Discovery

    From Life to Fiction: Natalie Burton on A Journey of Love and Discovery
    Nov 17 2024
    On this episode of the Christian Readers Community podcast, I sit down with debut author Natalie Burton to discuss her heartfelt novel, A Journey of Love and Discovery. Natalie shares how her own life experiences shaped the story, offering a candid look into her creative process and the emotional journey of fictionalizing real-life moments. We delve into the inspiration behind her writing, her transition from corporate life to author, and the powerful themes woven into her book. Don’t miss this captivating conversation as Natalie reveals what readers can look forward to next from her blossoming literary career.

    **About Natalie Burton:**
    Natalie Burton, born in Chillicothe, Missouri, is a remarkable blend of corporate expertise, maternal dedication, and community service. Beginning her career at Sprint PCS in 1997, Natalie climbed seven pay grades in just four years to become a Senior Manager. Her professional journey transitioned as she pursued her MBA and embraced roles as a substitute teacher and community leader. She has been deeply involved in charitable organizations, including the Junior League of Kansas City and Westminster College Kansas City Alumni Club, while also serving her community through school and sports activities. Returning to the professional realm after over a decade, Natalie founded The Burton Consulting Group, showcasing her corporate acumen and passion for making a difference. Now, as a debut author, Natalie continues to inspire with her journey of love, discovery, and storytelling.
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    20 mins
  • Discussing Not Quite Colonel Brandon with Author Kim Griffin

    Discussing Not Quite Colonel Brandon with Author Kim Griffin
    Nov 8 2024
    In this episode, we sit down with Kim Griffin, a gifted Christian fiction author, to talk about her newest release, Not Quite Colonel Brandon, the latest installment in her Not Quite series. Known for weaving heartfelt stories with clean romance and deep spiritual insights, Kim opens up about her inspiration behind this novel and the journey that brought her characters to life. We explore the themes that define her work—faith, redemption, and the beauty of God’s love, even in life’s messiest moments. Kim shares how her background as a Bible study leader and women’s ministry worker has shaped her writing, helping her craft stories that offer hope, encouragement, and reminders of God’s steadfast presence.

    Kim also takes us behind the scenes of Not Quite Colonel Brandon, discussing the layers of her characters and the challenges they face as they navigate love, loss, and faith. We dive into the creative process that has led her to create relatable, inspiring stories that connect with readers on a profound level. Whether you’re a fan of clean romance or looking for fiction that speaks to the soul, this episode with Kim Griffin is sure to inspire you.

    **About Kim Griffin:**
    Kim Griffin is a former interior designer and homeschooling mom who has led Bible studies for over 35 years and has worked in women's ministry for more than 25 years. Several years ago, she felt a call to write words of hope, and since then, she has been dedicated to creating Christian women’s fiction that resonates with readers. Through her books, Kim aims to draw readers closer to a loving God who sees all imperfections and offers unconditional love. You can find out more about her work and sign up for her newsletter at [kimgriffin.org](https://kimgriffin.org).
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    21 mins
  • Leaning on Air: Cheryl Grey Bostrom on Love, Loss, and the Power of Second Chances

    Leaning on Air: Cheryl Grey Bostrom on Love, Loss, and the Power of Second Chances
    Oct 25 2024
    In this episode, we dive into the beautifully layered novel Leaning on Air with award-winning author Cheryl Grey Bostrom. As we chat, Cheryl shares the inspiration behind her poignant story that reunites ornithologist Celia Burke and veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes in a powerful tale of love, loss, and renewal. Set against the lush backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, *Leaning on Air* unfolds as Celia’s search for a hawk's nest near Snake River leads her on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and unexpected challenges.

    Through this compelling story, Cheryl explores themes like marriage under pressure, grief from miscarriage, and the experience of loving someone on the autism spectrum. Hear her thoughts on the essential, sometimes taboo, topics of faith, marriage, and forgiveness woven into this sequel to Sugar Birds. Cheryl also opens up about her creative process, her passion for nature, and how her life as a photographer and poet shapes her prose. Whether you're a fan of nature-inspired storytelling, exploring neurodivergent perspectives, or just looking for a deeply moving love story, this episode is sure to captivate you.

    Tune in to hear Cheryl’s insights, her love for the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and her journey in crafting characters that linger long after the last page is turned.

    About the Author
    Cheryl Grey Bostrom crafts vivid and surprising prose, blending her deep love for nature with a keen understanding of human behavior. Her acclaimed novel Sugar Birds has garnered numerous awards, including American Fiction, Nautilus, Reader’s Favorite, International Fiction, and ACFW Carol Awards, and was honored with Christianity Today’s Fiction Award of Merit and Christy finalist recognition. A talented photographer as well, Cheryl lives in the Pacific Northwest with her veterinarian husband—near the wild and rugged settings that inspire her writing, including her latest release, Leaning on Air. This novel, hailed as “a masterpiece” and “a reader’s dream” by early readers, continues her exploration of themes of resilience, connection, and redemption. Connect with Cheryl at cherylbostrom.com.
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    29 mins