Hey, guys. Listen in as I chat with Erica Colahan about her novel. When an author takes family history and weaves it into a compelling novel, what's not to love!

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We had a great time learning about Erica's great grandmother, the family member she found, all their research... it's.. .amazing!

The Oystercatcher of Southwark by Erica Colahan

Philadelphia, 1897—On the shores of the Delaware River, Italian Catholic Mary Paragano dreams of a happily ever after. However, when she defies her family and runs away to marry Jakob, a Jewish boy, her fairy tale takes an unexpected turn. Disowned by her father, abandoned by Jakob, and pursued by a jealous gangster, Mary's life spirals into tragedy, culminating in accusations of attempting to harm her own children and a harrowing end in an asylum.

Philadelphia, present day—Bella, Mary's great-great-granddaughter, grapples with the aftermath of her recent divorce. Amidst her pain, a mysterious stranger named Sophie enters her life, claiming to be related to Jakob, the man who left Mary to her devastating fate over a century ago. Together, Bella and Sophie unravel the layers of Mary's haunting past, question the stories they've been told, and uncover the impact of these historical secrets on their modern-day lives.

Based on the remarkable true story of the author's great-great-grandmother, The Oystercatcher of Southwark takes readers on a poignant journey through the immigrant neighborhoods of South Philadelphia. This deftly-woven novel explores the profound love of a mother for her children and the redemptive hope that transcends time.

Learn more Erica on her WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads.

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The moment I read the synopsis for Deena Adams's Stronger Than the Storm, I knew it would be an amazing book. Listen in and see why I had to have one of my characters recommend it in one of my own books!

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Sometimes, it feels like prodigal stories are the hardest to read. I used to think it was because you hate to see the pain people put themselves and others through.

Now I think it's because we see ourselves in them as much as we might try to deny it.

Stronger Than the Storm by Deena Adams

Since surviving a rocky season in her marriage nineteen years earlier, Beth Holbrook has prayed and worked toward maintaining a solid marital commitment, raising godly children, and leading a thriving parenting ministry. On the cusp of realizing her publication dream and expanding her influence nationwide, her daughter, Leesa, runs away without a word.

Having recently turned eighteen and graduated from high school, Leesa is livid with her parents for not allowing her to attend a beach party, especially when the only guy who has ever shown interest in her will be there. When her best friend suggests they escape their parents' strict rules and move to Myrtle Beach together, she makes a spontaneous decision to leave town. A mere six weeks later, she returns home with shocking news that affects not only her future, but her family's.

While grappling with a volatile blend of failure and anger, Beth's identity as a pastor's wife, mom, and respected parenting coach disintegrates. Amid mounting conflict in her marriage, continued criticism from her mother, and strained relationships with her children, Beth confesses a long-held secret, shattering her already splintered family.

As a hurricane bears down on the Holbrook's house, the storm raging within the walls threatens to rip apart the fragile stitches holding their family together. When Beth's solid foundation crumbles, will her family survive intact? Or is her contrition too little, too late?

Learn more about Deena on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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A scientist using Jesus' DNA to clone Him? Listen in to see what Chuck Shelton is doing with that!

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This chat with Chuck was fascinating. He has an unexpected look at how this cloning thing would work and what would happen if somehow you cloned Jesus and ended up with a 21st century woman (I think it was 21st...)

Sudarium by Chuck Shelton

Jennifer Barnes discovers she was cloned from the DNA of Jesus. What could go wrong?

Elizabeth Barnes, a brilliant agnostic scientist, recovers and uses DNA from a legendary burial cloth - the Sudarium - to impregnate herself and give birth to a clone of Christ, creating chaos for her daughter and the world. When the identity of this 30-year-old woman cloned from Jesus is revealed, the media go wild, and people everywhere react. Her name is Jennifer, and she is not exactly a poster child for the Church. She has lesbian friends, uses he/she pronouns for God, and fights against domestic violence. The saying 'You're a child of God' takes on new meaning as her life is put in danger, she starts to fall for an FBI agent, and global conflict between religions escalates. Sudarium explores what it means to live with integrity and courage as a person of faith. It disrupts stale views about gender among Christians and invites its readers to pursue their spirituality with fresh eyes in the context of radically loving oneself and others.

Learn more on Chuck's WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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