A Baker’s Perspective Podcast is a podcast for book lovers, readers, and writers who want to dive deeper into the world of storytelling. Hosted by Jessica, each episode features author interviews, book discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process. From unforgettable characters and shocking plot twists, to the making of villains and the craft of fiction, Jessica asks the questions that bring stories to life.
Whether you love reading historical, contemporary, fantasy, suspense, or anything in between, subscribe today and discover your next favorite read.
S3 E16 Chatting with Historical Fiction Author Jessie Mattis
Jessica welcomes author Jessie Mattis to discuss A Mess of Dreams, the first novel in her Middle Fork series. Jessica and Jessie explore how historical fiction can challenge readers to look beyond stereotypes and see the person behind a label. They also discuss Lorene's friendship with Ruby, Amos’s difficult family choices, and the book’s moving message about trusting God through pain.
Jessie is giving a copy of A Mess of Dreams to one lucky listener! Enter the giveaway here (https://kingsumo.com/g/3eey5p3/copy-of-a-mess-of-dreams-by-jessie-mattis)!
Chapters:
(00:00) Introducing Jessie Mattis
(02:00) The premise of A Mess of Dreams
(03:31) How readers can connect with a teenage protagonist
(06:52) Amos, his father, and the German POWs
(07:58) Generalizations, judgment, and seeing people as individuals
(11:45) Jessie’s research into German soldiers and prisoners of war
(13:11) Lorene and Ruby’s friendship
(16:50) Amos’s difficult decision
(19:34) A moving passage about grief and trusting God
(28:59) A preview of A Breath of Hope
(32:54) Fun questions for Jessie
(36:46) Where to find Jessie and sign up for her newsletter
Connect with Jessie:
Website (https://www.jessiemattis.com/)
Facebook (https://facebook.com/jessiemattisauthor)
Instagram (https://instagram.com/jessie_mattis)
Pinterest (https://pinterest.com/jessiemattis)
Connect with me:
Website (https://Www.abakersperspective.com)
Instagram (https://Instagram.com/abakersperspective)
Show notes are available at www.abakersperspective.com (within a week of the episode going live)
24 Sept 2026
S3 E15 Chatting with Award Winning Historical Fiction Author Cathy Gohlke
Cathy Gohlke is on the podcast today to talk about her historical novel Every Given Day. This story is a story inspired by the discovery of insulin, Cathy’s granddaughter’s type 1 diabetes, and the faith journey of learning to surrender. We talk about how real history can spark a novel, why family stories stay with us, and how Cathy brings historical research, romance, and faith together on the page.
Cathy is giving a signed copy of Every Given Day to one lucky listener! Enter the giveaway here (https://kingsumo.com/g/m5gkzq3/autographed-copy-of-every-given-day-by-cathy-gohlke)!
Chapters:
00:00 - Introducing Cathy Gohlke
04:07 - Historical fiction based on history versus inspired by history
08:25 - Family stories that become part of a novel
10:41 - The history behind insulin research
13:19 - The starvation diet and the search for a cure
15:10 - Purified insulin and the first children treated in 1922
18:06 - Balancing history, medicine, romance, and faith
26:29 - What's coming next from Cathy
30:15 - Fun questions for Cathy
39:09 - Where to find Kathy online
Connect with Cathy:
Website (https://authorcathygohlke.com/)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CathyGohlkeBooks)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/cathy_gohlke/)
Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/cathygohlke1/)
Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cathy-gohlke?list=about)
Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/351681.Cathy_Gohlke?from_search=true&from_srp=true%20target=)
Connect with me:
Website (https://Www.abakersperspective.com)
Instagram (https://Instagram.com/abakersperspective)
Show notes are available at www.abakersperspective.com (within a week of the episode going live)
17 Sept 2026
S3 E14 USA Bestselling Author Tamera Alexander
Chatting with USA Bestselling Author Tamera Alexander was like chatting with someone I've known since elementary school! We laughed, shared stories, and had so much fun. Tamera talks about the importance of staying true to history in her novels, how she weaves in figures like Jack Daniel and the suffrage movement, and why she believes fiction should tell the truth about history rather than smooth it over.
Grab a cup of coffee and join us for this delightful conversation!
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing Tamera Alexander and In These Hills
04:42 – Why real history takes time to write well
07:17 – A childhood trip through Europe that sparked a love of history
11:52 – Why historical fiction helps preserve real history
16:20 – The reality of suffrage protests and why Josephine is strong
20:35 – What Alexander hopes readers gain from Josephine’s story
21:56 – Using real words from Susan B. Anthony in the novel
23:51 – Faith without preachiness
25:12 – Why changing history in fiction would dishonor real people
29:31 – Writing enemies-to-lovers without losing believability
32:35 – Why character foundation and spiritual growth matter in romance
36:43 – What Alexander learned about surrender and God’s care
40:06 – Her next novel
42:09 – Favorite romance tropes and fall drinks
45:50 – The first books Alexander remembers
47:29 – A memorable childhood basketball fail
49:16 – Where to find Tamera Alexander online
50:10 – A reading challenge for listeners
Connect with Tamera:
Website (https://tameraalexander.com/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tamera.alexander)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tameraalexanderauthor)
Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/tameraauthor/)
Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tamera-alexander)
Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/322733.Tamera_Alexander)
Connect with me:
Website (https://Www.abakersperspective.com)
Instagram (https://Instagram.com/abakersperspective)
Show notes are available at www.abakersperspective.com (within a week of the episode going live)
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3 ratings
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