Split-time fiction focusing on contemporary issues and complementing them with historical ones? YEAH. Because while no one has ever had the temptation of screens at every moment of the day, the principle of that temptation is timeless. Listen in to see why I think this series is brilliant.

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**Each book in the Sister in Arms Collection can be read as a standalone. The collection can be read in any order.**

Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks

At the brink of the Civil War, Henrietta Frontenac is a fierce protector of her five younger sisters. As poverty and despair threaten their survival, Henrietta takes a bold step to protect her family. She disguises herself as a man to find work at the docks and is soon swept into the ranks of the Confederate army. Facing unimaginable risks, will she maintain her secret identity, or will unexpected love unravel all she’s worked for?

In the present, Everly Moore, a former wild spirit turned compassionate chiropractor, has spent fifteen years trying to redeem her past. When her beloved sister Ivy faces the heart-wrenching challenge of infertility, Everly finds herself at a crossroads, unsure if she can confront her own trauma and step up as Ivy’s surrogate. After Everly and Ivy stumble upon the story of their brave relative Henrietta, they are inspired to confront their own fears. But will they make the difficult choices that could change their lives forever?

Dive deep into this intertwined narrative where past and present collide, showcasing the unyielding strength of sisterhood. A story of love, resilience, and the battles that unite us across generations.

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

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Love a good mystery? Me too. That's why finding out that Emily Hanlon has a super cool series with two opposites as sleuths made me nearly dance (it would've been loud on the recording!). Listen in to find out my favorite elements we discussed (book 1 is here and I'm eager to dig in!

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Books 1 and 2 are available and let's all read and review so we get a dozen more, because this just sounds so awesome!

A Cloud of Witnesses by Emily Hanlon

Life at Saint John of the Cross Parish in Pequot Bays should have returned to normal after one of its priests was cleared of murdering a parishioner and the true killer put behind bars. But a troublesome new group called Dies Irae has moved in, led by the fire-and-brimstone Father Thaddeus. When one of its devoted followers dies under suspicious circumstances, Father Seamus enlists Martha Collins to help him oust Father Thaddeus from the parish. But when a second member of Dies Irae dies, the Purple Pest detective, Marya Cook, shuffles back into action. Can Marya unmask another murderer before he or she strikes again—or will Martha become the next victim?

In this sequel to Emily Hanlon’s phenomenal debut, Who Am I to Judge?, the scatterbrained octogenarian sleuth, Marya, and her sensible sidekick, Martha, are back in action with new twists and turns, an assortment of scheming suspects, and of course, plenty of purple-penned notecards.

Learn more about Emily on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.

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WHEW! Guys, I had the BEST conversation with Avellina Balestri--nearly FOUR hours of chatting. And somehow I cut it down to less than an hour (okay, we didn't record the first hour). But... WHOA. This woman's historical knowledge is phenomenal. Listen in to see why I can't WAIT to read this book!

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Seriously, there is WAY too much for me to try to put into shown notes. Zip me a message or an email if you want the whole conversation 95% uncut (over two hours) uploaded to YouTube. I could make that happen.

Gone for a Soldier by Avellina Balestri

If you don a scarlet coat at the price of your conscience, the color will only remind you of the wound in your own soul! If you sign away the faith of your fathers, all lesser goods will be forfeited too!”
~
Young Edmund Southworth could not have foreseen the path his life would take upon befriending Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne, British military veteran and parliamentarian. As Catholic recusants from the north of England, Edmund’s once noble family has struggled to survive for centuries in the shadow of the Anglican ascendancy. But General Burgoyne offers him the chance to put past humiliations behind him by joining the Church of England and donning a scarlet coat as an officer of King George III.

Although his conscience is uneasy, Edmund embarks upon Burgoyne’s March to subdue the American revolutionaries by splitting the colonies in two. He finds unexpected love in the arms of Abby Vanderkamp, a supporter of American independence, who will do anything to free her father from a British prison hulk or, failing that, strike a blow for the hard-pressed rebel cause. As the British advance through the New York wilderness devolves into increasing brutality and instability, Edmund will have his already divided loyalties tested to the breaking point under the influence of this hostile land, which presents him with new challenges and opportunities alike.

Learn more about Avellina on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.

Don't miss the literary magazine she edits as well!

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

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