Category Archives: Books

Carmen Schober and Breana Johnson

Author Carmen Schober on HGTV and Naming Babies

This fall, I had the chance to meet and get to know Carmen Schober, contemporary Christian romance author of After She Falls and Pretty Little Pieces, releasing in December!

Carmen writes gritty, edgy romance with Cuban-American characters–stories you are not going to want to miss!

I asked Carmen to share a little bit about her writing process for Pretty Little Pieces.

Pretty Little Pieces

1. The protagonist of Pretty Little Pieces was called the next Joanna Gaines. I’m curious how much HGTV-watching went into the research of this book…and which shows are your favorite? 

I used to live on HGTV-style shows! I don’t watch much TV anymore (looking at you, kids) but those shows are perfect for days when you just want something in the background, but you can also get super engrossed and have cozy day-in marathon.

I had a brief Fixer Upper phase, but my absolute favorites are Rehab Addict and While You Were Out (with the OG cast, not the new one.)

Carmen Schober Breana Johnson
Hanging out with Carmen at the ACFW conference

2. Naming novel characters (like naming kids) is HARD. You chose really cool names in Pretty Little Pieces. What’s your process? For novel characters and for kids, too!

They honestly just sort of come to me.

But I am a pretty avid Pinterest user and online shopper, so that gives me some good ideas (brands these days often name their products after women) but I usually start with a name that inspires me and then I use Nameberry to find names that sound like they belong in the same world. 

Pretty Little Pieces Characters
Cassidy and Georgina from Pretty Little Pieces

3. Cara Putman’s review on Goodreads called Pretty Little Pieces “A story I kept coming back to because I cared about the characters.” Which character in the story do you love the most, and why?

I really do love Cassidy and Georgina individually and as a couple. Poppy was a joy to write too, and I so relate to Savannah in some ways, but Cass and Georgie stole the show…and my little hopeful romantic heart.  

Pretty Little Pieces is the featured novel in my December Wings of the Morning book box. Get yours here! Use coupon BLACKFRIDAY for $5 off all weekend.

Interview with The Wonderland Trials author Sara Ella

Did you know that former Disneyland cast member Sara Ella, who played Alice, just released a retelling of Alice in Wonderland? Yes, that’s right! Alice herself wrote a book about Wonderland! Author Sara Ella was kind enough to answer a few questions about The Wonderland Trials:

Author Sara Ella

Other than Alice, who’s your favorite character in The Wonderland Trials?

I feel like it’s no longer a spoiler to say Chess Shire, but to be safe I won’t say why. 😉

I’ll also say Madi Hatter because she’s the opposite of me and reminds me of one of my dear friends who always makes me feel bold and brave when she’s around.

And then I have to mention Charlotte. As a mom, I relate a lot to her character.

I guess that’s more than one, haha. I love them all!

Sara Ella as Alice at Disneyland
Sara as Alice at Disneyland

You used to be Alice at Disneyland. How did your experience in that role shape the Alice character in The Wonderland Trials?

I’ve always had a love for Alice’s character and curiosity. I think the biggest similarity between Disney’s Alice and mine is that they are both no-nonsense characters.

My time at Disney feels like another lifetime now. I guess part of me missed being in that world and I wanted to create one of my own. And thus The Wonderland Trials was born.

The Wonderland Trials
Enjoying my copy of The Wonderland Trials

It’s obvious from reading your first four books that you write the goal of impacting readers—not just entertaining them. What do you hope your readers will gain from your book?

Wow. That means the world to me. Thank you.

With this book I hope those readers who may feel alone or have trouble making friends will feel seen. I hope they find their own version of “found family” like Alice does in the book.

Most of all, I hope this book inspires readers to believe in impossible, unseen things.

Thanks for talking, Sara! I loved reading The Wonderland Trials and can’t wait for my next trip to Wonderland.

Enter our Alice in Wonderland giveaway by August 30, 2022 for a chance to win The Wonderland Trials and this adorable backpack!

Christian Fiction Books for your Christmas Gift List

Books make the best Christmas gifts! If there’s someone on your list who already has everything, you can always get them a new book. Here are some of my favorite Christian fiction books that make great gifts.

Read my post on clean giftable books for teens!


Romance

The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

This year, I started reading a lot more romance. The Red Door Inn is one of my favorites! Every book in this series made me cry. And want to visit Prince Edward Island.

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

This a story of love and redemption between two people desperately trying to repair their broken lives.

The Hearts of Oklahoma series by Tina Radcliffe

This small-town series follows a family of four siblings who each find love close to home, whether that be at the vet clinic or on their ranch.

Contemporary

The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

This novel healed a wounded place in my heart. This story is about two widowed sisters-in-law who decide to run an New Zealand ultramarathon in memory of their husbands. The problem? The women have nothing in common. Can they overcome their differences to support one another through their grief, and maybe find hope along the way?

The Pelican Harbor Series by Colleen Coble

This series tells the suspenseful adventures of a policewoman on the hunt for a murderer. . . and the truth about her childhood in an abusive cult.

Historical

The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright

If you like mysteries and historical fiction, you’ll love The Curse of Misty Wayfair. It’s just dark enough to make you shiver!

Sunrise at Normandy Series by Sarah Sundin

Be swept into the past through this World War II trilogy of love and war.

Love historical fiction and romance? Don’t miss your chance to order A Dance in Donegal or The Lady of Galway Manor and receive an extra Christmas gift! You can read my interview with author Jennifer Deibel here.

Historical Romance Novels
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Biblical

The Chosen by Left Behind author Jerry Jenkins

This book is based on the TV show of the same name. It gives the life of Jesus new vibrancy!

By the Waters of Babylon by Mesu Andrews

This novel shares the tale of a Jewish exile to Babylon at the time of Daniel and Jeremiah.

Ruth and Naomi by Tori Sorenson

This novel is a fresh retelling of the famous story. After reading this, I have a much better idea of the culture and history behind the book of Ruth.

What’s your favorite Christian fiction book you’ve read this year? Comment to share!

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