Browse Posts: Historical

Love in a Dangerous Time: How the Roman Legend of Saint Valentine Inspired Jamie Ogle’s Debut Novel

Author Jamie Ogle’s debut historical fiction book Of Love and Treason retells the story of Saint Valentine, a man who defies the Roman emperor and becomes both a hero and the most wanted man in the empire. In this Q & A with Jamie, she talks about her inspiration for …

4 Small Books That Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers

Cue the falling snow and plug in those sparkling lights. Christmas season is here! As your calendar fills up with gatherings and shopping, finding the perfect little something for people in your life rises to the top of the list.

These tiny books, packed with big and meaningful stories, make …

The Walker Family of the Great Smoky Mountains: Inspiration for a New Historical Novel

Deep in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee sits an old, weathered cabin that was once home to the Walker family. I first saw the ancient-looking, two-room dwelling in the fall of 2018 when my husband and I headed to the mountains to enjoy the fall foliage. We’d heard about the …

Meeting Cade: Where Fact Meets Fiction in Historical Novel The Wings of Poppy Pendleton

In author Melanie Dobson’s time-slip drama The Wings of Poppy Pendleton, a young girl mysteriously disappears from a New York estate during the Gilded Age; years later, a reporter enlists a woman living on the same island to investigate the disappearance. In this article, Melanie talks about her research …

Beauty From Ashes: Jennifer L. Wright on Her Latest Historical Novel

In this article by author Jennifer L. Wright, Jennifer takes us behind the scenes to tell us how research for her first book and a simple conversation led to the inspiration behind her latest historical release, The Girl from the Papers! Read what Jennifer has to say about her

5 Crime-Fighting Heroines You’ll Want to Root For

Women have long had a place in fighting and solving crimes in mystery and suspense novels. The women on this list not only show a wide range of abilities, they also highlight how vulnerability and learning more about themselves help them become better at doing their jobs. From sneaking around …

Meet Keren from The Hidden Prince: Q&A with author Tessa Afshar

Author Tessa Afshar’s new historical fiction novel The Hidden Prince tells the story of Keren, a young of a woman who feels she has no future but soon discovers the fate of nations may rest in her hands. Get to know more about Keren and the ancient land in which …

4 Thrilling Novels to Read This Fall

Cooler weather and long autumn nights are the perfect time to keep an action-packed thriller or suspenseful mystery at hand. If you’re looking for a pulse-pounding adventure to explore on a dark and stormy night, you’re sure to enjoy these four riveting and suspenseful novels, excellent to read this fall.…

Author Q&A: Jennifer L. Wright on Come Down Somewhere, Her New Novel

In her latest historical fiction novel Come Down Somewhere, Jennifer L. Wright tells the story of two young women coming of age during the Trinity nuclear bomb test in 1945. In the Q&A below, she shares how she came to write this novel and what she wants her readers to walk …

Amish 101: fun facts about the Amish community from Cindy Woodsmall

In this article Amish fiction author Cindy Woodsmall talks about Amish fiction, facts about the Amish community, and more. If you’ve read her recently release Yesterday’s Gone which she co-authored with Erin Woodsmall, read this post to discover even more about the Amish traditions and customs she writes about

5 Books to Keep You Entertained on a Summer Road Trip

While road trips are taken year-round, summer is arguably the best time of year for a road trip. In this post, discover five different novels to keep you company while you’re on the road. Read on to see which one is right for you!

Quiz: Pick Your Favorite Summer Treats and We’ll Tell You What to Read Next!

Summer is filled with delicious treats that we associate with the warm weather. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savory snacks, a great book goes hand in hand with great food. Take this fun quiz to discover what you should read this upcoming season based on your favorite …

Author Q&A: Sandra Byrd on Her New Novel, Heirlooms

In Heirlooms, her new women’s fiction novel set in both modern-day and mid-century Whidbey Island, author Sandra Byrd tells the story of story of four women—grandmothers and granddaughters—across generations and explores the secrets we keep, the love we pass down, and the heirlooms we inherit from a well-lived life.

Author Lynn Austin on Her New Novel Long Way Home: Author Q&A

In her new historical novel Long Way Home, author Lynn Austin tells the story of Jimmy, a young former soldier returned home after World War II, and his friend Peggy who tries to piece together what happened that left him so shattered. Learn more about this story of courage …

Quiz: What’s My Summer Beach Read?

Who doesn’t love summer with its sunny days and warm breezes? If you’ll be hitting the beach this summer, you’ll probably be looking for a great read to bring with you. Take this quiz for fun to discover your next summer read.

5 Romantic Beach Reads to Swoon for This Summer

Whether you’re heading to the beach this summer or are planning to adventure somewhere else, beach reads always make for fun summer reading. If you’re looking for great beach reads to take with you on your summer adventures or a staycation, don’t miss adding these to your TBR list!

Historical Fiction Author Q&A: Cathy Gohlke on her new novel A Hundred Crickets Singing

Historical fiction author Cathy Gohlke’s latest historical novel A Hundred Crickets Singing tells the story of two young women living on the same Appalachian estate in wars eighty years apart who determine to aid soldiers dear to them and fight for justice, no matter the cost. In the Q&A below,

A Visit to the Maxwell House Hotel: Michelle Shocklee on the famed hotel in her novel Count the Nights by Stars

Step back into time with a virtual visit to the famed Maxwell House Hotel. Author Michelle Shocklee shares a peek into this iconic landmark as characters in Count the Nights by Stars would have experienced it before its demise. Read about it in the article below from Michelle.

In my …

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Behind the Design: an art director weighs in on designing The Lady’s Mine book cover

Take a peek behind the scenes at the cover design process for The Lady’s Mine novel by Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and The Masterpiece. In the Q&A below, hear from Dean Renninger, a senior art director here at Tyndale House, about what

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A Return to the Western Frontier: Francine Rivers on her new novel The Lady’s Mine

Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and The Masterpiece, returns to the California frontier in The Lady’s Mine, a sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join

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Behind the Story: A Look into the New Novel The Winter Rose

In the new time-slip novel The Winter Rose by award-winning Christian fiction author Melanie Dobson, a modern-day woman searches for answers about her mentor’s past and finds a link to a woman who saved children during World War II. In the Q&A below with Melanie, learn more about this

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Lynn Austin on Her New Novella, The Wish Book Christmas

In the new historical novella The Wish Book Christmas, bestselling author Lynn Austin tells the story of two single mothers, Audrey and Eve, who are raising young sons alone in the wake of World War II and trying to teach them the true meaning of Christmas. This heartwarming tale

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The Smart Kings Challenge | The Wish Book Christmas

In The Wish Book Christmas, Harry and Bobby mistakenly call the Wise Men “smart kings.” Throughout the book, the two boys do kind things for their neighbors and friends to learn about the true meaning of Christmas and to emulate the Wise Men.

This year, challenge yourself to become a …

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Life on the New York Frontier: Returning to Shiloh 

In the new historical novel Shiloh by Lori Benton, Ian Cameron works to build a new life for his family on New York’s rugged frontier. In the article below from Lori, discover what sparked her imagination about the New York frontier and learn more about what life was like during

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Q&A with Patricia Raybon, author of the novel All That Is Secret

In All That Is Secret by award-winning author Patricia Raybon, it’s 1923, and Professor Annalee Spain receives a cryptic telegram calling her to Denver to solve the mystery of her father’s murder. For a young Black woman, searching for answers in a city ruled by the KKK could mean real

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and If It Rains: Jennifer L. Wright on how a classic inspired her new story

In the new historical novel If It Rains by Jennifer L. Wright, two sisters cherish a copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as they struggle amidst harsh realities of the Dust Bowl. If It Rains has subtle nods to this classic tale. Read on to learn why Jennifer wove

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A Step into the Setting of Lynn Austin’s Chasing Shadows

The new historical novel Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin is the story of three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis invade the neutral Netherlands, forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence. In the post below, hear from Lynn Austin about places featured in the

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Q&A with Tessa Afshar, author of Jewel of the Nile

In the new biblical fiction novel Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar, whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush. In the Q&A below with Tessa, discover what

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5 Novels to Gift for Father’s Day

With Father’s Day coming soon, you might be on the search for a great gift to give a father figure in your life. If the person you’re looking for a present for loves a great read, how about gifting them with a new novel this Father’s Day? Here are five

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Five Surprising Facts about Historical Hollywood

In the new historical novel In a Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem, Mina Sinclaire heads to Hollywood hoping to make it big as a movie star. But soon the high price of fame catches up to her. In the post below by Stephanie Landsem, discover five fascinating facts about historical

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Q&A with Melanie Dobson, author of The Curator’s Daughter

The new time-slip novel The Curator’s Daughter by award-winning author Melanie Dobson tells the story of a young girl, kidnapped on the eve of World War II, who changes the lives of a German archaeologist forced into the Nazi Party and—decades later—a researcher trying to overcome her own trauma. In

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Bringing Louisa May Alcott to Life in The Orchard House

In The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli, Johanna Suhre travels to the home of Little Women author Louisa May Alcott. There Johanna cares for Louisa’s aging parents. In this post, Heidi Chiavaroli shares what it was like bringing Louisa to life in the pages of The Orchard House.

I …

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Quiz: Which Historical Novel Will Transport You Back in Time this Winter?

Have you ever wished you could step back in time and experience another era just for a little while? A historical novel can be a fun way to take a virtual journey to a different time and place in the pages of a story. Which historical novel might be a …

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Behind the Book: Cathy Gohlke on her new novel Night Bird Calling

Night Bird Calling by Cathy Gohlke tells the story of Lilliana Swope who flees her abusive husband for the home of her great-aunt in No Creek, North Carolina, With war brewing for the nation and for her newfound community, Lilliana must overcome a hard truth voiced by her young friend

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Crazy4Fiction Christmas Cheer: Heidi Chiavaroli’s 5 Favorite Family Fun Christmas Activities

Award winning novelist Heidi Chiavaroli writes women’s fiction, combining her love of history and literature to write time-slip stories. In The Orchard House, her upcoming new release, family is a central focus of the story. Christmas can be a great time to create new family memories. Heidi shared a

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Crazy4Fiction Christmas Cheer: Tara Johnson’s 5 Favorite Christmas Songs

Historical romance novelist Tara Johnson’s upcoming novel All Through the Night features a Cadence Piper, a young heroine whose gift of music inspires wounded soldiers during the dark days of the Civil War. A musician and singer herself, Tara shared a list of her own favorite Christmas hymns and carols.

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5 Books to Gift the Romance Novel Fan

Know someone who loves love stories but you just aren’t quite sure which ones to gift them? Browse this pick of titles to see which novel (or more than one!) would be a great choice to gift the reader who always has their nose buried in a swoon-worthy romance novel.…

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5 Books to Gift the History Buff in Your Life

Know someone who loves touring historic homes, visiting museums, and imagining what it would be like to live in another era? Reading a novel can be a great way to let them journey to another time and place for a little while. If you’re searching for a good read for …

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5 Books to Gift the Woman in Your Life

Do you know a woman who loves to read? If you’d love to give them the gift of an inspiring, entertaining novel but just aren’t quite sure which one to choose for them, take a look at this article to find five great women’s fiction novels and see which one …

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Where Fact & Fiction Meet: Digging through History for Under the Tulip Tree

In Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee, Lorena Leland takes a position with the Federal Writers Project. If you’ve read Under the Tulip Tree, you may be wondering about the history of the FWP and how it inspired the novel. In this post, learn more from Michelle Shocklee

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2020 Summer Reading Guide

Summer is a great time to make a list of novels you’ve been wanting to read and then challenge yourself to work your way through your reading list. If you could use some novel recommendations this season, don’t miss browsing the summer reading guide here on Crazy4Fiction! Whether you like …

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Class, Privilege, and Courage in If I Were You: Author Lynn Austin on her new novel

Lynn Austin’s new novel If I Were You tells the story of two young women who come of age during World War II. Later, the secrets they carry will push their friendship to the breaking point. Read on to see what Lynn shared about why she writes Christian fiction, the

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Hidden in Plain Sight: Melanie Dobson on rescuers who quietly saved hundreds during World War II

Memories of Glass (available September 3rd) by Melanie Dobson is a novel that tells the story of two fictional characters who helped save others while risking their own safety. In the piece below by Melanie, learn about real life heroes who put their own lives on the line to rescue

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Q&A with Tara Johnson, author of Where Dandelions Bloom

In this Q&A with Where Dandelions Bloom author Tara Johnson, find out about the real woman the book’s heroine Cassie Kendrick is based on, and read about some of the challenges women like her might have faced during the war. 

In Where Dandelions Bloom, Cassie Kendrick disguises herself as

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Cultivating Contentment: Author Pam Hillman on Change and Contentment

In The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman, when Irishman Caleb O’Shea arrives in Natchez, Mississippi, he isn’t planning to stay there long. But things might just turn out very differently.

If you’ve ever had life turn out to be the opposite of what you had wanted or even

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A Code Name and Courage: A Look at the Woman Who The Medallion’s Jolanta Is Based On

In The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke, a woman with the code name Jolanta appears upon the page. But just who was the real woman this character was based on? And what role did she play during the dark days of World War II? Read on to discover more about the

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Why I Wrote Then Sings My Soul

In Then Sings My Soul by Amy K. Sorrells, time is running out for elderly Jakob, who as a boy survived escape through genocide-ridden Eastern Europe, to be free from his burden of guilt. In the piece below, read what Amy wrote about inspiration behind the novel.

The stale smell …

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Francine Rivers, Jolina Petersheim, and Carla Laureano talk about their earliest book memory

Authors Francine Rivers, Jolina Petersheim, and Carla Laureano recently sat down to discuss their writing lives and inspiration.

Watch more videos of Francine Rivers, Jolina Petersheim, and Carla Laureano here.…

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Breathing Life into a Cameo Character: A Look at the Story behind The Seamstress

Have you ever wondered where the authors of your favorite novels discover story ideas? Find out where Allison K. Pittman got the idea for her new novel The Seamstress. Read below what Allison wrote about the novel and the story behind it:

I have a unique dedication in the …

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2018 Crazy4Fiction Gift Guide

To help you complete your holiday shopping list, the Crazy4Fiction team put together the 2018 Gift Guide. With these suggestions, you can feel confident in giving the best book to everyone on your list.

Scroll through the slideshow below to see what books might fit even the most hard to …

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