The Christian Romance Podcast

• Interview with Mary Connealy: Treasure Hunts, Widow Romance & Riches Beyond Measure

  In this episode, bestselling author Mary Connealy chats about Riches Beyond Measure, the conclusion to her Golden Gate Treasure series. Known for her romantic comedies with cowboys, Mary shares how this treasure hunt adventure brings together faith, family, and a whole lot of fun. They dive into the story of Annie, a grieving widow and devoted mother, who never expected to fall in love again—especially not while chasing gold through the rugged terrain of 1870s California. With charming chaos, reluctant romance, and a strong spiritual thread about storing up treasures in heaven, this book offers both rich storytelling and timeless truth. Mary also gives a behind-the-scenes peek into her writing process, the real-life inspirations behind her characters, and why she always adds a splash of wild humor to her faith-filled fiction. Listen to the episode here. Meet Mary Connealy Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols! Follow Mary Amazon Facebook Instagram X Bible Verse for Encouragement Matthew 6:19–21 (NKJV)Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Mary Connealy’s New Book: Riches Beyond Measure When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead?When an earthquake strikes Two Harts Ranch, it shakes the life of Annie Lane along with that of Cord Westbrook, who has been working as a cowboy on Annie’s family ranch in anticipation of purchasing his own. The only thing delaying his plan is the deep attraction he feels toward Annie, a widow with a child and an established life as a teacher at the Hart School for Orphans. Unfortunately for Cord, she seems determined to avoid romance. The aftermath of the earthquake reveals that prized artifacts from the long-sought MacKenzie’s Treasure have been stolen from the ranch. But the return of the MacKenzie family from out east has everyone focused on what other precious finds might be waiting at the end of the legendary two-part map. As Cord, Annie, and the MacKenzies set out in search of riches, they face dangers more treacherous than earthquakes. With gold in their sights and love within reach, Cord and Annie realize that some treasures may fade, but life’s true riches are far more valuable than earthly goods. Embark on a rousing California wilderness adventure filled with danger, deception, and second chances in this riveting conclusion to Mary Connealy’s Golden State Treasure series–ideal for fans of frontier romances, cowboys, and treasure hunts. 💞 Tropes in Riches Beyond Measure Treasure Hunt Adventure Widow Falling in Love Again Forced Proximity Orphan Train Found Family Reluctant Courtship Second Chance at Love Marriage of Convenience Cowboy Hero + Feisty Heroine Grumpy meets Sunshine (a bit of a twist with Annie & Cord!) Get your copy today! Amazon Baker Book House Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you! Finding Forevermore is available today! Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything. Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth. Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself. As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper. Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace. Get your copy For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out. You’ll get updates by joining my free email list. Visit my website here to sign up Follow me for updates Instagram YouTube TikTok

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• Interview with Marline Williams: Writing Jesus Freak Rom-Coms, Love Triangles, and Letting Your Light Shine

  In this episode, Kelly chats with rom-com author Marline Williams about her bold and nostalgic Jesus Revolution Romance Series. With a heart for storytelling and a deep love for the 1970s era, Marlene shares her journey from advertising to independent publishing—and how God called her to write laugh-out-loud romances set in the heart of the Jesus movement. Kelly and Marlene dive into the setting of Love the One You’re With (book two in the series), unpack the spiritual truths woven into her heroine’s journey, and even talk about campus revivals, witnessing with ginger ale, and the importance of letting your light shine. Whether you’re a fan of second chances, enemies to lovers, or a good ol’ Jesus Freak throwback, you’ll love this episode! Listen to the episode here. Meet Marline Williams Marline Williams—rom-com novelist (and unapologetic Jesus freak since 1971) In her pre-authorial existence, Marline Williams was an advertising copywriter and editor. Ideal for learning to craft fiction, really. After a quarter of a century of convincing consumers to buy things they don’t need with money they don’t have, Marline retired. She tossed her snarky coffee mugs and reunited with her childhood joy—writing crazy, wonderful stories. Marline weaves midcentury-modern nostalgia and Jesus Movement memories into offbeat love stories for women who aren’t sure they believe in happily-ever-afters anymore. Her upbeat, faith-soaked romances are set in the swingin’ ’60s and funkadelic ’70s (with occasion trips to the nifty ’50s). Sweet-yet-swoony stories that go deep, but not dark. Her debut novel, All Men Are Liars (Jesus Revolution Romance, Book 1) launched September 2024.Wild and Sweet, a 1960’s Christmas novella (part of the Christmas in the Cascades anthology) quickly followed with a October 2024 launch. She’s currently working on the second book in the Jesus Revolution Romance series–the next adventures in the life of her “All Men Are Liars” heroine, Dana Whitman. Visit Marline’s Website Young Life Organization: Click Here Link to the Spotify Playlist with fun 1970s music: Click Here Behind-the-scenes deleted chapter of Love the One You’re With: Sherwood Forest Frolic – Marline Williams Follow Marline Instagram Pinterest Bible Verses for Encouragement “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”–John 8:32 (NKJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. –Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) Marline Williams’ New Book: Love the One You’re With To thine own self be true. Yeah, right.Street-preaching in Hyde Park, singing Godspell’s greatest hits at the Royal Albert Hall, performing at Jesus People music festivals—Dana Whitman has finally met her tribe! It’s spring 1974 and Dana arrives in swingin’ London wearing her heart on her sleeve and Roland Schowalter’s ring on her finger. A ring that seems dangerously close to slipping off when she matches wits with droll, dashing Oxford atheist Cyril Hawthorne, self-appointed pirate king of the wild Shakespeare troupe she’s joined.Her long-distance romance with all-American Roland feels fuzzy and far-away, their small-town future increasingly unappealing. Rumors about Roland’s loyalty—and doubts about her own—force a freaked-out Dana to do some of her most convincing acting off-stage. But her return to the States will make everything okay again. Right? How can Dana be true to herself and the man she’s promised to love? 💞 Tropes in Love the One You’re With Love Triangle Opposites Attract (Jesus Freak vs. Atheist) Second Chance Romance Fish Out of Water Finding Your Identity Faith Journey / Spiritual Awakening Friends to Lovers (previous book) Cross-cultural romance (American girl meets English guy) Get your copy today! Amazon Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you! Finding Forevermore is available today! Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything. Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth. Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself. As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper. Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace. Get your copy For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out. You’ll get updates by joining my free email list. Visit my website here to sign up Follow me for updates Instagram YouTube TikTok

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• Interview with Tessa Afshar: Second Chances, Hidden Identities, and God’s Unfailing Love

  In this episode, Kelly chats with award-winning biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar about her newest novel, The Royal Artisan. Set during the reign of Queen Esther, this story blends historical intrigue, second-chance romance, and powerful spiritual truths. Tessa opens up about writing through spiritual warfare, the theme of living with an “orphan spirit,” and how God’s identity as our Father transforms our lives. With touches of suspense, a hidden identity, and a rekindled romance, this episode is a must-listen for fans of faith-filled fiction and timeless storytelling. Listen to the episode here. Meet Tessa Afshar Tessa Afshar’s award-winning biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. 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. Learn more at TessaAfshar.com Follow Tessa Facebook Instagram Bible Verse for Encouragement “But now, O Lord, You are our Father;We are the clay, and You our potter;And all we are the work of Your hand.”— Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV) Tessa Afhar’s New Book: The Royal Artisan Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa’s finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman’s sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place. Yet her troubles are not over as Haman’s sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen’s agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission. Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther’s royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt. 💞 Tropes in The Royal Artisan Second Chance Romance (with the same couple!) Hidden Identity Bodyguard/Protector Hero Forced Proximity Woman in Danger MacGuffin Quest (search for a vital object) Found Family / Close Female Friendship Get your copy today! Amazon Baker Book House Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you! Finding Forevermore is available today! Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything. Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth. Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself. As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper. Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace. Get your copy For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out. You’ll get updates by joining my free email list. Visit my website here to sign up Follow me for updates Instagram YouTube TikTok

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• Interview with Ann Swindell: Love in the Castle Library, Father Wounds, and Faith-Filled Romance

  In this heartfelt episode, Kelly chats with Ann Swindell—author, teacher, and lover of Earl Grey—about her newest novel, Love in the Castle Library. Known for crafting stories that point to Christ’s presence in everyday life, Ann opens up about her transition from nonfiction to fiction, her passion for equipping Christian writers through Writing with Grace, and the deeply spiritual themes woven into her latest romantic tale. With a fake-dating twist, a castle garden setting, and a heroine learning to see God as her true Father, this story offers both swoon-worthy moments and soul-deep truths. Listen to the episode here. Meet Ann Swindell 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. Visit her website here Follow Ann Facebook Instagram Pinterest Bible Verse for Encouragement 1 John 3:1 (NKJV)“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” Ann Swindell’s New Book: Love in the Castle Library Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I. Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau. Delphine hesitantly accepts Jack’s offer—and finds her heart being stripped of every predictable and efficient emotion she’s ever had. Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, even if it means posing as her boyfriend. But he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and to keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the court case determining Delphine’s fate looms, both Delphine and Jack must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is more valuable than the lives they thought they wanted. 💞 Tropes in Love in the Castle Library Fake dating / pretend relationship Forced proximity Opposites attract Prim heroine meets gregarious hero Dual POV (point of view) Slow emotional healing Found family / father figure support Historical mystery woven into a contemporary romance Faith journey with spiritual transformation Get your copy today! Amazon White Crown Publishing Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you! Finding Forevermore is available today! Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything. Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth. Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself. As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper. Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace. Get your copy For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out. You’ll get updates by joining my free email list. Visit my website here to sign up Follow me for updates Instagram YouTube TikTok

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• Interview with Sarah Monzon: Grace, Good Deeds, and Grumpy-Sunshine Romance in Hearts in Circulation

  In this heartwarming episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly chats with award-winning author Sarah Monzon about her latest rom-com, Hearts in Circulation. Set in a cozy Tennessee town, this story features an adorably optimistic librarian, a grumpy recluse with a tender heart, and a bookmobile full of unexpected blessings. Sarah shares her personal writing journey, from indie beginnings to traditional publishing, and opens up about the powerful themes woven into her novel—grace, purpose, and the healing power of love. If you’re a fan of opposites attract, laugh-out-loud moments, and stories that shine God’s truth, this episode is for you! Listen to the episode here. Meet Sarah Monzon HOLT Medallion and Selah Award–winner, and Christy and Carol Award finalist, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her. Learn more at SarahMonzonWrites.com. Follow Sarah Facebook X Instagram Pinterest Bible Verse for Encouragement Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) “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.” Sarah Monzon’s New Book: Hearts in Circulation Can a rundown bookmobile be the vehicle that brings two unlikely hearts together?Little Creek’s bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Hayley Holt is afraid it’s going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove. Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touches from the vibrant librarian leave him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren’t contained within the bindings of a book. 💞 Tropes in Hearts in Circulation Grumpy/Sunshine Forced Proximity Opposites Attract Small Town Romance Epistolary (letters back and forth) Hero with Sensory Processing Disorder Heroine with a Hidden Past (liver transplant) Found Family Slow Burn Romance Redemption & Healing Arc Get your copy today! Amazon Baker Book House Get updates on our themed book giveaways Enter the most current book giveaway on ChristianRomancePodcast.com and sign up for our email list. Kelly’s Personal Update Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you! Finding Forevermore is available today! Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything. Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth. Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself. As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper. Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace. Get your copy For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out. You’ll get updates by joining my free email list. Visit my website here to sign up Follow me for updates Instagram YouTube TikTok

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