January Lineup
The month of January features a fast paced mystery novel set in Washington, D.C., a work of non-fiction about the lives and deaths of two men who lost their heads but saved their souls when they stood up to King Henry VIII, a novel in stories set in a small community that explores dreams and struggles, and a work of non-fiction that explores the mission of a nineteenth-century woman endeavoring to make her mark on the world while striving to develop her faith.
Here’s the January line-up:
January 4 Ellen Butler’s “Swindler’s Revenge” Is a Hard-Hitting Mystery
In this episode 276, we visit with Ellen Butler author of “Swindler’s Revenge,” a Karina Cardinal Mystery Book.
When a mysterious burner phone shows up in her Karina Cardinal’s pocket, she has no doubt who dropped it there. Mike is deep undercover and so far off-grid, he needs help to figure out who’s framing him—and why. Classic Karina, she jumps in with both feet, ignoring the dangers. The trouble with leaping before you look? You can land in a world of dirt. And when an old enemy starts playing hardball, you can end up six feet under it.
Publisher’s Weekly Magazine says: “Butler keeps the plot barreling ahead. Fans of intelligent escapism will look forward to more.” And InD’Tale Magazine says: “Ellen Butler’s “Swindler’s Revenge” is an unputdownable adventure that will take readers on an electrifying yet light-hearted and humorous journey.”
Plus, exclusive Patreon episode: The Pros and Cons of Traditional and Independent Publishing
January 11 Conscience Pervades Robert Conrad’s “John Fisher and Thomas More, Keeping Their Souls While Losing Their Heads.”
In this episode 277, we visit with Robert Conrad, author of “John Fisher and Thomas More, Keeping Their Souls While Losing Their Heads.”
This book examines the lives (and deaths) of Bishop John Fisher and Lord Chancellor Thomas More who “died the King’s good servant, but God’s first.” Sixteenth century figures who spoke truth to power when, resolutely and cheerfully they resisted King Henry VIII’s demand to swear to an oath against their conscience.
The book consists of a series of stories told with a trial lawyer’s passion for advocacy and an Irishman’s love for a well-told story.
Former Attorney General John Ashcroft had this to say about the book: “Ambivalence and ambiguity do not inhabit these pages. Validated historic lives project principles desperately needed by our modern culture of convenience and ‘compromised integrity.’ Don’t read this unless you are prepared, first to be intimidated by the lives of focused virtue; and then inspired with God’s help to imitate them.”
January 18 Heather Newton’s “McMullen Circle” Brings Characters in a Small Town to Life
In this episode 278, we visit with Heather Newton, author of “McMullen Circle,” a collection of connected short stories, and finalist for the W.S. Porter Prize.
In 1969, as Karl Wallenda prepares to tight-rope walk across the gorge in the tiny town of Tonola Falls, Georgia, faculty families at the McMullen Boarding School learn about racism, war, and what makes a hero.
Wiley Cash, New York Times bestselling author of A Land More Kind Than Home, had this to say about the book:”These deeply literary, heartfelt, and heartbreaking characters call to mind the work of Elizabeth Strout, Gail Godwin, and Richard Russo, but Heather Newton is her own writer. Her characters are shot through with longing and hope, and in this small community we watch as big dreams and big desires are dreamed and felt, run toward and away from. This is the kind of book that readers return to to reemerge themselves in Newton’s world, and it’s also the kind of book that writers return to to see how she pulled it off.”
Plus, exclusive Patreon episode: Community Writing Programs as an Alternative to an MFA
January 25 Mary Tribble Tells Sally Wait’s Mission South Story in “Pious Ambitions”
In this episode 279, we visit with Mary Tribble, author of “Pious Ambitions: Sally Merriam Wait’s Mission South 1813-1831.”
At its simplest, Sally Wait’s life is the tale of a nineteenth-century woman endeavoring to make her mark on the world while striving to develop her faith. She is a significant figure in North Carolina and Baptist history, whose ambition led her from young convert to devoted wife of Reverend Samuel Wait, the first president and founder of Wake Forest University.
A northern born woman with anti-slavery leanings, her decisions are shaped by a surging evangelical movement, changes in the American economy, the rise of women’s social agency, a fracturing of political traditions, and the moral conflicts inherent in a slave economy.
Randal Hall, William P. Hobby Professor of American History, Rice University, says this about the book: “Tribble draws from diaries and abundant letters that allow us to witness Sally Wait’s inner struggles alongside the events of her life. The result is a compelling and important life story.”
Plus, exclusive Patreon episode: Working with An Academic Press