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Historical Bookworm

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by KyLee Woodley and Darcy

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41 episodes

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The Historical Bookworm Podcast is for lovers of history and fans of Inspirational Historical Fiction. It’s a unique interview show with a historical spin! Find out more at HistoricalBookworm.com

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Recent Episodes

March 29, 2026

Episode 124 The Royal Artisan — Guest: Tessa Afshar

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">About the Author</h2> Tessa Afshar’s award‑winning novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into thirteen languages. A recipient of the ECPA Bronze Milestone Award, the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the ECPA Christian Book Award for her Bible study The Way Home, Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co‑chair of the Evangelical Fellowship. Born in the Middle East to a nominally Muslim family, Tessa came to faith in Christ in her twenties. She is a devoted wife, a self‑proclaimed mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Questions: <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li class="">Let’s start with something fun. Would you rather read a book series out of order, or watch the movie adaptation before reading the book?</li> <li class="">What practices help keep you grounded when life gets crazy?</li> <li class="">Do you keep a journal? If so, what journaling practices work for you? If not, what reflective practices do you use instead?</li> <li class="">Is there anything especially meaningful you haven’t shared in other interviews—perhaps something God has laid on your heart that you’d like to share with readers?</li> <li class=""></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">About the Book</h2> 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. 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 that the queen’s agent is Jadon—the man who once left her heart in ruins. But danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, far more than their hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission. A story of intrigue, romance, and faith set within Queen Esther’s royal domain—perfect for fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Questions</h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li class="">Your novel is set during the Persian period when Esther is queen. How did you research the historical and cultural details of Susa to create an authentic backdrop, and what discoveries surprised you most?</li> <li class="">Your book blends biblical events with romantic and suspenseful plotting. What challenges did you face in balancing faithfulness to the source material with crafting an engaging fictional narrative that includes mystery?</li> <li class="">What do you hope readers take away from this blend of biblical history, romance, and intrigue?</li> <li class="">What’s next for your writing?</li> <li class="">Tessa, where can listeners learn more about you?</li> <li class=""></li> </ul> You can connect with Tessa on her <a href="https://tessaafshar.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newsletter</a> and on <a href="https://amzn.to/3PPu6ZA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tessaafshar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>.

March 18, 2026

Episode 123: Romance in the Midst of Disaster with Kelly Goshorn

<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:33.33%"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" loading="lazy" src="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kelly.Goshorn.AuthorPic-Outside-2_small-819x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3022" srcset="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kelly.Goshorn.AuthorPic-Outside-2_small-819x1024.webp 819w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kelly.Goshorn.AuthorPic-Outside-2_small-240x300.webp 240w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kelly.Goshorn.AuthorPic-Outside-2_small-768x960.webp 768w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kelly.Goshorn.AuthorPic-Outside-2_small-1229x1536.webp 1229w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kelly.Goshorn.AuthorPic-Outside-2_small.webp 1237w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:66.66%"> Kelly Goshorn is an old-fashioned girl at heart who loves Jesus, her family, and all things historical. A native Virginian, she developed a deep love for history, exploring battlefields and museums, which eventually led her to write inspirational historical romance. After earning degrees in social studies, education, and history, Kelly spent nearly two decades as a licensed childcare provider before returning to writing – a passion sparked by her youngest son. Her debut novel, A Love Restored, was published by Pelican Book Group in 2018, and her nonfiction piece, “Beautiful Words,” appeared in the Spoken Moments anthology. She lives in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband of 30+ years, Mike. They enjoy BBC period dramas, board games, and spoiling her Corgi, Levi.  </div> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">You’ve described yourself as, “An old-fashioned girl trapped in the 21st century. How has that shaped your passion for historical fiction?</h2> Kelly: As long as I can remember, I’ve loved history. I had a wonderful grandfather who would tell us stories about his life growing up and stories about our ancestors. The random things I’d find – my dad’s World War II Navy picture or my mom’s ration book from World War II – I always found them fascinating. But I suspect Little House on the Prairie probably had something to do with it. That was my favorite show growing up. If I did anything to get in trouble, all my mom had to do was threaten to take that away. Because back then, we didn’t have unlimited access to shows. If you missed it when it was on, you didn’t get to see it again until summer re-runs. Then when Laura called Almanzo “Manly” and I discovered historical romance, I think that just sealed the deal. KyLee: Honestly, that sounds similar to my experience. I had grandpas who were in World War II in the Korean War, and we got to hear all their stories. And I watched a lot of old black-and-white shows, lots of westerns. I love that, as adult women, God’s allowed a way for us to look back on those good memories and the values we developed, and now we’re creating with them. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can you share how your youngest son inspired you to start writing?</h2> Kelly: When the time came to move on from my career as a childcare provider, I wasn’t sure what the next step was, but I sensed from the Holy Spirit that it was not going back to teaching. So my husband and I , and our small group, started praying about it. Now my youngest son Noah always love to write. He might be watching SpongeBob, but he had a notebook he always carried with him, and he’d be writing some kind of story. I remember watching Noah one day and thinking how I always loved writing research papers in college and grad school. I thought of myself as hopelessly un-creative, but I loved to play with the sentences, move them around, tweak them. And that day I thought, “I should give fiction a try.” So I started writing, just for myself, no secret desire to be published. And after a few nights of me sitting in front of the TV with my laptop, my husband asked what I was doing. And when I told him, he wanted to read it, so I let him. And he said, “This is good, but you should write our story.” Shortly after that, I switched to writing our story, but set in the 1870s, and it became something I couldn’t wait to do each day. I started study the writing craft, and in that process of writing and learning, I realized that was the answer to my prayer. And our story became my debut, A Love Restored. Darcy: I love how you say discovering your new path was a process. You had your family and church family praying, but the Lord didn’t drop you a note in your lap to “write novels now.” You were curious, and you tried it, and in that, He show you this was what He wanted you to do. Sometimes we really want the writing on the wall, but God’s like, “No. You’ll find out. Just trust Me on this.” I think that’s cool. KyLee: I was just about to tell you, Kelly, that you should go on the <a href="https://heathertabers.substack.com/p/the-hope-filled-romantic-podcast" data-type="link" data-id="https://heathertabers.substack.com/p/the-hope-filled-romantic-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hope-Filled Romantic Podcast</a> with <a href="https://heathertabers.com/" data-type="link" data-id="https://heathertabers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heather Tabers</a>. She and I chat quite a bit, and she just started her podcast for Christian romance lovers who believe in both storybook love and the hope that God provides in real life. So I was double-checking her podcast name on Instagram, and I see Kelly Goshorn has already been on the Hope-Filled Romantic Podcast! Authors get to share about their books, but also their real-life love stories, if they’re comfortable doing so. Just a quick shout-out for Heather – our listeners should definitely check out Kelly’s episode on her podcast. Kelly: And secondary shout-out, I had the privilege of reading and endorsing Heather’s book that just released, <a href="https://heathertabers.com/books/their-burden-to-bear/" data-type="link" data-id="https://heathertabers.com/books/their-burden-to-bear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Their Burden to Bear</a>. If people like the World War I era, I highly recommend it. A fantastic novel. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Do you have a favorite battlefield or museum or site that you visited that inspired a story scene?</h2> Kelly: I’m really inspired by the area where I live in Northern Virginia. Loudoun County has a lot of Revolutionary War and especially Civil War history. We’re in a border county in a border state – the next county over became West Virginia. In the western part of our county, we had Quakers who were pro-union, and we have people who were pro-slavery and voted for Virginia to secede from the union. If I could set all of my stories here, I would. I have two, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Restored-Kelly-Goshorn/dp/1522397604/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Restored-Kelly-Goshorn/dp/1522397604/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Love Restored</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chiseled-Heart-Christmas-Novella-Collection-ebook/dp/B0CGZMNN2B/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/Chiseled-Heart-Christmas-Novella-Collection-ebook/dp/B0CGZMNN2B/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Christmas Carving</a> set in Loudoun County. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is there anything especially interesting you could share with us, or something God has laid on your heart that you’d like to share with your readers?</h2> Kelly: I like to write about flawed characters that overcome their obstacles with faith and fortitude. Recurring themes in my books are about self-acceptance, and forgiveness, and second chances. The world can be so unforgiving, and we can be so hard on ourselves. I like to write those kind of stories where you kind of dig inside yourself and your faith, and you come out on the other side. And hopefully readers also find a swoon-worthy romance ’cause I’m a romance girl. Darcy: I love that. I was actually reading in Luke this morning, the stories of the prodigal son and the scriptures around there where the Pharisees condemn Jesus for hanging out with sinful and unrighteous people. And I was thinking how we know the story of the lost sheep where Jesus said, “I leave the ninety-nine, and go after the lost one.” Yet, even as we’re trying to follow Jesus, we build this sense of self-righteousness. And then we start comparing: “I’m not as holy as that person. I’m not as far along as this person.” So I love that you write about flawed characters who learn to accept that. Because God uses flawed people. He says that over and over in His Word. <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="672" height="1024" loading="lazy" src="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/goshorn-Cover-UHOB-672x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3017" style="width:379px;height:auto" srcset="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/goshorn-Cover-UHOB-672x1024.webp 672w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/goshorn-Cover-UHOB-197x300.webp 197w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/goshorn-Cover-UHOB-768x1170.webp 768w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/goshorn-Cover-UHOB-1009x1536.webp 1009w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/goshorn-Cover-UHOB-1345x2048.webp 1345w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/goshorn-Cover-UHOB.webp 1650w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px" /></figure> </div> Book Two in the Enduring Hope series, six stand-alone novels by six different authors, examining manmade catastrophes and how the characters overcome. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be found. Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What inspired your heroine, Etta Maxwell – a wealthy heiress living a double life as an undercover reporter?</h2> Kelly: I am not a plotter. I never know how the story will go; the Lord kind of brings it all together for me. But one thing I did know is I didn’t want my characters to be employees of the factory because I thought that might take the reader too close to the grittiness of the disaster. I knew I wanted to make Leo a fireman, and I needed to keep Etta active in the story, so I decided on making her a reporter. Now there were some female investigative reporters, like Ida Tarbell or Nellie Bly, but most female journalists were relegated to domestic or social columns. So I decided Etta would have to masquerade as a man to pull it off. She also writes for The Gilded Gown, a social magazine in Boston. And her parents let her move back to Brockton and work with their charitable foundation, unaware she is secretly the top-notch reporter Henry Mason. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How did you go about researching this real-life disaster, this shoe factory explosion?</h2> Kelly: I started with a list on Wikipedia of manmade disasters in America, and I’m not exactly sure why I clicked on the Grover Shoe factory. I can only say it was the Holy Spirit. And I immediately saw two images: one of this giant factory, four floors that covered three-quarters of a city block, and an after-picture in which literally nothing is left but the smokestack. And I instantly thought, “Nobody could have survived this. What happened?” I found myself reading more out of my own curiosity. And I just felt like I needed to tell these people’s stories. I found a document called, The History of the Brockton Relief Fund, which was compiled a couple years after the disaster. And that became my bible, so to speak because it was written so close to the time. Sometimes even newspapers from the time contradicted one another, so this document became my ultimate primary source. I also found a lot of great information on the Brockton Fire Department through a document online. They have a fire museum there. And I found YouTube documentaries on early 20th-century firefighting and fire investigation techniques. Many of their techniques have now been proven to not be the best way to get to the bottom of an arson, but it’s what they used then. Oh, and I found great information on the fire dogs and how they were used, why they were Dalmations. It was fun to incorporate so many details into the book. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do you balance the historical material with the romance?</h2> Kelly: It was kind of tricky to build a romance in the midst of such a disaster. It was the beginning of the workday when the fire started, so the building was full – nearly 400 people. And between the broken gas lines and floors treated with linseed oil, they had to call off the rescue within twelve minutes. Fifty-eight people perished. You almost expect it to be the reverse, that only 58 people survived, because it was just a perfect storm of things contributing to the fire. So trying to figure out how to put a romance in that, when you don’t want to lighten the gravity of the situation, was tricky. It was another reason to keep my characters outside the factory, and not related to the factory owner or anyone bearing such a heavy weight that they can’t think of romance. I started the story with fictitious arsonists she’s investigating, and they team up for that. So when the disaster occurred, she already had sources inside the fire department and she’s following leads, which enabled them to have that close proximity needed for a romance. Darcy: In some ways, the fact that their romance grows out of something so deep and tragic lets us know that these people are not involved in some light infatuation. They can’t hide behind the typical early-romance stage, but have to get to know each other for real. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s next for your writing?</h2> Kelly: I don’t have any contracts at the moment, but last week I turned in a proposal for a novella collection, along with Carolyn Miller, Angela Couch and Jacinta Meredith. If it’s picked up, it will be four marriages of convenience at Christmas. (You might be able to tell that marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. I will always pick that up to read – it fascinates me.) And this weekend, I’m working on a proposal for a book about a mail-order groom that’s got some serious You’ve Got Mail vibes. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where can listeners connect with you?</h2> Kelly: I would love to have readers visit <a href="https://kellygoshorn.com/" data-type="link" data-id="https://kellygoshorn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">my website</a> and sign up for my <a href="https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/newsletter" data-type="link" data-id="https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/newsletter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newsletter</a>. I publish monthly, and I include updates on my writing, but I also cover a new historical romance release each month. I do giveaways. And I like to talk about historical tidbits that history-nerd girls like us enjoy. If you’re on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goshorn" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/kelly.j.goshorn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellyjgoshorn/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.instagram.com/kellyjgoshorn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>, you can find me there, probably talking way too much about my Corgis. I love my Corgi dogs. Levi, who we mentioned at the beginning, has sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. So now we have another Corgi puppy named Biscuit. I also have pages on my website dedicated to <a href="https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/the-undercover-heiress-of-brockton/character-interview-with-henrietta-maxwell" data-type="link" data-id="https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/the-undercover-heiress-of-brockton/character-interview-with-henrietta-maxwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extras</a> and <a href="https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/the-undercover-heiress-of-brockton/early-20th-century-firefighting" data-type="link" data-id="https://kellygoshorn.com/my-writing/the-undercover-heiress-of-brockton/early-20th-century-firefighting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">historical details</a> for the book. Things that don’t always make it into the story, which I hope readers will enjoy. Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White THE BOOK As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste. Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family’s misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been? <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bookworm Review </h2> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="810" height="1013" loading="lazy" src="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR123.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3031" style="aspect-ratio:0.7995958921884848;width:370px;height:auto" srcset="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR123.webp 810w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR123-240x300.webp 240w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR123-768x960.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /></figure> </div> “Oh my giddy gumdrops, this confection of a tale is a sheer delight from beginning to end! Winsome and whimsical, “Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor” by Roseanna M. White captures all the splendor of the holiday season, from the effervescent joy of childhood to the awe-inspiring wonder of Christ’s birth. Nods to The Nutcracker will evoke smiles from fans of the classic story as they explore the luxury of an Edwardian Manor and the enchantment of a winter wood, glittering with snow. If you fancy a Nutcracker suite romance, spend your Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor!” Read more about Roseanna at her website. (<a href="http://www.roseannamwhite.com">www.RoseannaMWhite.com</a>) <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> (<a href="https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.jaimewrightbooks.com</a>) ~ <a href="https://authorangelabell.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angela Bell</a>, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure Thank you, fellow bookworm, for joining us once again! We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Kelly and are excited to check out her book! </blockquote> If you enjoyed this episode, we hope you’ll subscribe for more on your favorite listening platform, and join our newsletter (see the sidebar). Don’t forget to share it with a fellow historical fiction reader! Until next time, may you find hope even in challenges! –KyLee & Darcy

March 9, 2026

Episode 122: The American Revolution and Family Bonds with Laura Frantz

<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:33.33%"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="873" loading="lazy" src="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Laura-Frantz-1024x873.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2500" srcset="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Laura-Frantz-1024x873.jpg 1024w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Laura-Frantz-300x256.jpg 300w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Laura-Frantz-768x654.jpg 768w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Laura-Frantz.jpg 1258w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /></figure> </div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:66.66%"> Award-winning, bestselling author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying. Proud of her heritage, she is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. </div> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Special Guest Co-Host Heather Tabers</h2> Today we have someone special joining us. Since Darcy was unable to join for this recording, our friend <a href="https://heathertabers.com/">Heather Tabers</a> stepped in to cohost with KyLee. Heather writes Historical Romance and Children’s Fiction, and she also hosts <a href="https://heathertabers.substack.com/p/the-hope-filled-romantic-podcast">The Hope-Filled Romantic</a>—a podcast where faith and fiction meet real-life love stories. And now for the interview with Laura Frantz, discussing her latest novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Belle-Chatham-Colonial-Era-Historical-Revolution-ebook/dp/B0FCYT21XG/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Belle of Chatham</a>. (pronounced “chat-um”) <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is there a word or goal that’s inspiring you in this chapter of life?</h2> Laura: You hit it on the head when you opened and said, “How do we pursue God through our writing?” I’m eighteen novels in now, and my pursuit for the Lord is stronger than it was even with my debut novel back in 2009. I just want to honor him with a gift. He gave the writing gift–it wasn’t one I asked for or really wanted, but it was a sign to me. We’re here to bless and minister to others, and I think the written word does that. So my desire is just to press on. Life is often a spiritual fight, and I just want to finish well.   We don’t know how much time we have. I’m old enough to remember the nation’s bicentennial, which was 1976 and now we’re at 2026. So this is a huge milestone, historically for us as a nation, and personally. Whatever time I have left, hopefully it’s many more years and many more books, I want to pursue God with everything that is in me and try to honor him with every story I write. <a class="wp-block-read-more" href="https://historicalbookworm.com/episode-122-the-american-revolution-and-family-bonds-with-laura-frantz/" target="_self">Read more: Episode 122: The American Revolution and Family Bonds with Laura Frantz</a> KyLee: Wow, I admire that. Just to press on, to move forward–whatever’s in front of you, whatever comes your way–just to keep moving towards God. And you’re speaking specifically towards the books you’re writing, but really that’s applicable to every area of our life, as parents, and spouses, and at work, and everywhere we go. And when I think about pressing on with God, I picture that light in front of us, guiding us. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is one book that you read last year that really stuck with you and why?</h2> Laura: You know, I read a lot of historical fiction, mostly for research, but one thing I’ve gotten invested in is a 24-book series in the general market – Anne Perry’s William Monk Victorian Mysteries. And there’s a reason I invested in that. My book that releases next January is set in London. I wanted to see how another author, even in a different time period, handled that same setting along the River Thames, and with the police force at that time. So I thought, “Oh, I’ll just read one book.” But there’s a reason Anne Perry is so wildly popular and prolific. She has some of the smartest writing I’ve ever read. So the William Monk series is clean, although a little bit bloody or gruesome at times, but so eye-opening into Victorian England. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Do you have a favorite historical figure who inspires you?</h2> Laura: George Washington and also Daniel Boone. Men who were both totally intrepid and stalwart. George Washington didn’t know that he’d be on our currency now, or we’d name our capital after him. He had no idea he was the great “George Washington.” And Daniel Boone plays a big part in my heritage. I’m from Kentucky, and recently, I read a document that listed my ancestor as coming into Kentucky with Boone in the latter 18th century. And also George Humes, my ancestor, is credited with teaching surveying to the very young Washington from 1748 to 1750 in Virginia. So to see how the Lord has allowed me to write so close to my ancestry is such a beautiful thing to me. I don’t understand it, but just seeing my people come alive in history, and with such an amazing godly historical figure like Boone, is truly amazing. This crazy woman in the 21st century is writing about these amazing historical figures, and there’s actually a link. Only God could have done that. Heather: My family is the McFeeders family, and we came from the Hume Clan, so I have to believe that we’re cousins somehow. Laura: Long-lost cousins! I love it! KyLee: You never know what you’ll find when you start digging into your genealogy. I have chills just hearing you found out that one of your ancestors came over with Daniel Boone. Digging back and finding out where your people come from is very exciting. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">And is there anything especially interesting that you haven’t covered in other interviews that you could share with us?</h2> Laura: Years ago I decided that in 2026 my hope was to write a book honoring our country and our founders. Because I’m very proud to be American. The Lord said He sets us in the times, the seasons, and the places where we’re supposed to be. And to be an American is certainly a privilege, and He’s blessed this country so much in the past, since our founding. So, like I said earlier, I want to press on in the spirit of 1776 and continue carrying that forward and honoring Him. Our nation is great because it was based on godly principles. That’s why I’m proud to be an American, and hopefully that shines through The Belle of Chatham‘s pages. <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="663" height="1024" loading="lazy" src="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/belle-of-chatham-663x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3013" style="width:356px;height:auto" srcset="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/belle-of-chatham-663x1024.webp 663w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/belle-of-chatham-194x300.webp 194w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/belle-of-chatham-768x1186.webp 768w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/belle-of-chatham.webp 971w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px" /></figure> </div> In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon’s quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers in their home. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides–Patriots and Loyalists–causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond. As Mae’s friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Torn between her growing love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, Mae leaves the only home she’s ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she’s forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can you tell us a little more about Maebel and Coralie (and their love interests)?</h2> Laura: I don’t have a sister; I have a younger brother. So it’s fun to create these fictional sisters. In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Heiress-Marriage-Convenience-Historical-ebook/dp/B0DH5FBBR6/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Heiress-Marriage-Convenience-Historical-ebook/dp/B0DH5FBBR6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Indigo Heiress,</a> the bond between my heroine and her sister was extremely tight. That’s not the case in The Belle of Chatham. You have two very different women, almost the same age, who are nothing alike—different in looks, personality, loyalties. And their love interests are very different. Mae is in love with a rifleman, who’s from a very different world than herself, and her sister Coralie is infatuated with a British soldier. Which is indicative of where their loyalties lie, Mae with the Patriots, Coralie with the British. I tried to make it as true to history as possible. Not everyone is close to their sisters, so I wanted to bring that out. How wartime issues can fracture and fray that already-strained relationship. KyLee: That’s so like real life. As we traverse those long-term relationships, it’s not always easy. I think sibling relationships are special because you start out so young and go through so many seasons together. I hope that, in the end, Mae and Coralie can find something in common. I have three sisters, and I’m very close with one. With a couple of my little sisters, we’ve had moments where our differences created distance. Now, when I look back over the seasons, I see things she does very differently from me, and I value them. I’ve learned from her and her very different approach to things. Laura: A beautiful, open-hearted concept. And that bears pondering: “How would Jesus love this person that’s different than me, or that I really want to condemn or distance myself from?” Jesus says we’re to love them anyway, leaning heavily on Jesus to do it. I don’t know that Mae, in this novel, does that well. She tries. It takes practice, right? And Coralie makes it very interesting. And it’s relatable to today. We might not be in a war, but we definitely have different political opinions in our nation right now, stronger than they have been in a while. It’s not uncommon to see siblings falling on either side of the aisle. One thing that grieves me very much, that is even mirrored in this novel, is how people cease to talk to each other. There’s just no relationship anymore. And that’s heartbreaking. That’s a wound that too easily festers. If we have to be the one that breaks down that wall, in Jesus’ name, to ask for His help and an opportunity to do that, I believe He’ll give it. Just because you’re distant from loved ones, that doesn’t mean it’s forever. Ask the Lord to help you mend that relationship, even if you have to make the first move. KyLee: Absolutely. Something I keep seeing, that really hurts my heart, is when people are so upset by things that are disturbing, and there’s a sense of powerlessness. And I’ve found myself saying to other adults what I’ve said to my children for years: Look at your circle. You start small, and it gets bigger. Siblings, spouse, children, friends, church, community, work, and it moves out from there. Pray for the big things, that’s important, and if you are one of those people who has an opportunity to go to a far-away place and make an impact in that circle, do it. But don’t let what’s so far away from you distract in the circle where God has placed you. Be present where you’re at, and you can make a difference. You can be loving, you can be understanding, you can have respectful conversations, and trust God and encourage other people to trust God. Heather: That’s such a good word, KyLee. So many times, my heart is so burdened by everything I see on the news. And my husband is faithful to remind me, “Heather, you’re not supposed to know every person that died in North Carolina and California.” People have suffered atrocities all around the world forever. But it wasn’t until recently that we’ve had the technology to know every single one of them, sometimes in real time. And he’s like, “You’re just not supposed to know all these things.” So I love that you tell people to focus on their circles. I can’t go help everyone, but I can help the people next to me. KyLee: And every generation has its own burden to bear. God knew that you would be born in this generation with this technology, and He’s equipped you like He’s equipped me. Laura: I recently heard an author say, “We’re not meant to be omniscient. That’s God’s job.” Social media and the internet have us almost omniscient, so to speak, in a human perspective. We have access to everything around the world. And I kept hearing him say, “God doesn’t mean for us to be omniscient because it’s very burdensome.” I thought that was a really interesting point. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s next for your writing?</h2> Laura: Right now is a busy, busy season! I just handed in a 400-page novel set in 1798 London, releasing January of next year. I’m also halfway through a Christmas novella that will be releasing September of 2027, but it’s due this fall. And then I’m beginning another novel set in Colonial America 1733, a totally new setting. So that has me quite busy. I will also be traveling to England next January. And then in 2027, I’m leading a tour of some historic sites in the United States. I’ve done England and Scotland, and had a wonderful time with readers. So I’m excited to do a stateside trip this time, and I hope readers can join me. If you head to <a href="https://laurafrantz.net/" data-type="link" data-id="https://laurafrantz.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">my website, LauraFrantz.net</a>, and sign up for my newsletter, about halfway down the home page, you’ll get the tour news and details, as well as book updates. I work hard on my newsletters and try to keep them fun and fresh and interesting. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">And where else can readers connect with you?</h2> I’m very active on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Facebook</a> author page, and on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurafrantzauthor/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.instagram.com/laurafrantzauthor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. I post every couple days or so on <a href="https://x.com/LFrantzauthor" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/LFrantzauthor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a>, but I’m not very active. But most of my followers, interestingly enough, are on <a href="https://x.com/LFrantzauthor" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/LFrantzauthor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pinterest</a>. And, I just love my readers. How ever they want to come–through my newsletter or my website or socials–is always welcome to me, a delight. BOOKWORM REVIEW <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" loading="lazy" src="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR122-819x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-3026" style="aspect-ratio:0.7998071681530788;width:318px;height:auto" srcset="https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR122-819x1024.webp 819w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR122-240x300.webp 240w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR122-768x960.webp 768w, https://historicalbookworm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BWR122.webp 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px" /></figure> </div> The Mistress of the Macabre has penned another five-star stunner!  “Night Falls on Predicament Avenue” features Jaime Jo Wright’s signature blend of atmospheric prose, eerie suspense, and spiritual depth. Black as a mourning veil, this literary cuppa is enriched by the aromatic earthiness of a forgotten graveyard and contrasted with a honeyed note of hope—warm and bright as a candle’s flame, flickering amid shadows.  The authentic characters of Effie and Norah will make readers feel seen and heard, especially those who suffer with anxiety, and the absorbing plot will keep readers turning pages into the wee hours, eager to navigate the mystery’s winding paths of intrigue. The final plot twist ripped a gasp straight from my chest. A literal, audible, GASP! Good gracious, was I well and properly gobsmacked! Wright has truly outdone herself with this haunting tale’s jaw-dropping, mind-reeling, gut-punching conclusion. If you’re a fan of true crime podcasts and gothic fiction, be sure to visit Predicament Avenue . . . preferably, before night falls! <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> Read more about Jaime at her website. (<a href="https://www.jaimewrightbooks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.jaimewrightbooks.com</a>) ~ <a href="https://authorangelabell.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angela Bell</a>, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure </blockquote> If you enjoyed this episode, we hope you’ll subscribe for more on your favorite listening platform, and join our newsletter (see the sidebar). Don’t forget to share it with a fellow historical fiction reader! And if you really enjoyed this episode and would like to support, you can always <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/historicalbookworm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buy us a coffee</a>. Thanks again for joining us for this episode of the Historical Bookworm Show! Join the conversation in the comments, and be sure to connect with Laura Frantz, and our special guest <a href="https://heathertabers.com/" data-type="link" data-id="https://heathertabers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heather Tabers</a>. If you really enjoyed the show, you can always <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/historicalbookworm" data-type="page" data-id="2460" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy Us a Coffee</a>. Until next time, KyLee and Darcy

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What is Historical Bookworm?: The Historical Bookworm Podcast is for lovers of history and fans of Inspirational Historical Fiction. It’s a unique interview show with a historical spin! Find out more at HistoricalBookworm.com
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