February Lineup

The month of February features four novels. We have a World War II soldier’s love story, a heartbreaking yet hopeful allegorical novel about a boy with a bird in his chest, a legal thriller where a small town lawyer searches for missing children, including his own, and a novel that features one patient’s difficult journey through the medical malpractice legal world.

Here’s the February line-up:

February 1   Barry Swanson’s “Still Points” is a World War II Soldier’s Love Story

In this episode 280, we visit with Barry Swanson, author of “Still Points,” where even in the midst of tragedy, there is hope, and even in the midst of war, there is love.

Based upon the World War II diaries of the real Philip Zumwalt, this debut novel is a bittersweet tale of the transcendent power of love and reminds us of the immense sacrifices made by the men and women of that era.

Kathleen Barber, author of Truth Be Told, now an Apple TV+ series, and Follow Me, had this to say about the book: “Barry Swanson’s immersive debut is at once a tender romance, an insightful coming-of-age story, and an unflinching look at the realities of war. Swanson grabs the reader from the first page and keeps them in his thrall as he brings the characters and settings to vivid life. Both uplifting and heartbreaking, “Still Points” is a book you won’t soon forget.”

Plus, exclusive Patreon episode:  Writing Family History as Historical Fiction

February 8     Emme Lund’s “The Boy With a Bird in His Chest” Is a Heartbreaking Yet Hopeful Novel

In this episode 281, we visit with Emme Lund, author of “The Boy With a Bird in His Chest,” a heartbreaking yet hopeful novel about the things that make us unique.

“The Boy with a Bird in His Chest” grapples with the fear, depression, and feelings of isolation that come with believing that we will never be loved, let alone accepted, for who we truly are, and learning to live fully and openly regardless.

Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of “Less,” had this to say about the book: “Lund has created a fable for our age: a modern coming of age full of love, desperation, heartache and magic. An honest celebration of life and everything we need right now in a book.”

Plus, exclusive Patreon episode:  Writing A Novel that Challenges Gender Norms

February 15  Robert Whitlow’s “Trial and Error” Is a Case in Search of Missing Children

In this episode 282, we visit with Robert Whitlow, author of “Trial and Error,” and many other bestselling faith-based legal thrillers set in the South.

In “Trial and Error,” a small-town lawyer has been searching for his daughter for eighteen years when another young woman in the town goes missing. Buddy Smith has built his law practice around tracking down missing children, and he’s determined to find both women—no matter the cost. As Buddy pursues one woman, he uncovers clues that could bring him closer to the girl he thought he lost forever: his own daughter.

Robert Whitlow is winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review and continues to practice law in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Plus, exclusive Patreon episode:  Going from Novel to Movie

February 22   “Seeking Justice” Is One Patient’s Journey Through the Medical Malpractice Legal World

In this episode 283, we visit with Roland Beckerman, author of “Seeking Justice,” a fictional story based on the author’s real life experience.

This story involves a medical journey regarding a serious illness that led to a medical procedure and then a lawsuit about that procedure that ended up in a trial. The book guides the reader through the physical and mental challenges resulting from the patient’s surgery and the ups and downs of his attempt to challenge the doctor in court.

Roy Wiggins, a North Carolina judge, says this about the book: “I was glued to the story after the first paragraph. I was truly inspired by Mr. Beckerman’s perseverance through overwhelming physical, emotional and legal hurdles.”