What happens when God's plan looks different from the one you carefully mapped out?

On this episode of A Woman's Heart, Lisa Granger welcomes bestselling author Tracie Peterson, often called the Queen of Historical Christian Fiction. With more than 150 books to her name, Tracie shares her journey of discovering God's calling, navigating unexpected detours, and using storytelling as a ministry to encourage readers and share the hope of the Gospel.

Tracie discusses her latest novel and the powerful themes of forgiveness, purpose, and obedience woven throughout the story. Drawing from her own experiences, she reflects on seasons when God's plans differed from her expectations and how learning to remain flexible and faithful opened doors she never imagined.

Whether you're a reader, writer, or someone seeking clarity about your next step, this conversation will encourage you to trust God's direction and remain open to His purpose for your life.

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. God's Purpose May Look Different Than Your Expectations

Like the character Evie in Tracie's novel, many of us discover that God's calling doesn't always follow the path we envisioned. True fulfillment comes when we remain open and pliable to His leading rather than clinging to our own plans.

1. Obedience Often Opens Unexpected Doors

Tracie's writing career began through small opportunities and faithful obedience. She reminds us that God frequently works through seemingly insignificant steps to accomplish His greater purpose.

1. Difficult Seasons Can Deepen Our Faith and Ministry

Through personal loss, family health challenges, and life's hardships, Tracie has experienced how God uses difficult seasons to strengthen faith, develop compassion, and equip us to minister to others.

About Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson gave her life to Jesus at the age of six. She knew from an early age that God was calling her to ministry, and writing for Him has allowed her to share the Gospel message while encouraging readers to place their hope in the Lord. Her motto in writing and in life is Soli Deo Gloria—"For God Alone the Glory." Often called the "Queen of Historical Christian Fiction," Tracie is an ECPA, CBA, and USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 books, most of them historical novels that combine compelling storytelling with faith-filled inspiration.

Connect with Tracie Peterson

Summer Reading List

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Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

Award-winning author Jamie Ogle joins me for this Summer Reading Series conversation to discuss her latest novel, Daughter of the Rebellion. Set in the Roman Empire, the story combines historical details with powerful themes of faith, courage, grace, and redemption.

Jamie shares how an unexpected research project on the origins of Valentine's Day led her from writing colonial-era fiction to exploring the fascinating world of ancient Rome. Our conversation explores the themes of guilt, shame, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God's love. Jamie also discusses the challenges faced by the early church and why those struggles remain relevant for believers today.

In addition, Jamie opens up about her own publishing journey, including years of rejection before finding the right agent. Her story is a powerful reminder to trust God's timing, persevere through setbacks, and allow Him to shape us through every season.

Key takeaways:

1. God Can Use Waiting Seasons for Good
2. Grace Is Stronger Than Shame
3. Following God Often Requires Courage

Jamie Ogle is an award-winning author of historical fiction filled with danger, courageous rebels, and deep faith. Inspired by family stories of grit, adventure, and perseverance, as well as missionary tales of courage and sacrifice, she developed a lifelong love of history and storytelling. Jamie studied English and writing at Iowa State University and lives in central Iowa with her husband and three children, where they enjoy gardening, beekeeping, homeschooling, and exploring the outdoors.

Connect with Jamie and learn more about her books at https://www.jamieogle.com/

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What happens when God calls you to step out in faith and onto an unexpected path?

In this episode of A Woman's Heart, Lisa Granger welcomes bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick to the Summer Reading Series. Jane shares her remarkable journey from clinical social worker and mental health professional to homesteader, rancher, and award-winning novelist. She opens up about a life-changing spiritual experience that led her and her husband to leave the familiar behind and embrace a challenging homesteading life on a remote Oregon ranch.

Jane also discusses how her writing career began unexpectedly, the inspiration behind her historical novels, and the powerful real-life stories that shape her fiction. From researching historical figures to exploring themes of faith, resilience, community, and healing, Jane offers encouragement for anyone navigating life's unexpected detours.

The conversation also highlights her latest novel, With the Enduring Tides, a compelling story inspired by real people and events along the Oregon coast.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Faith Often Requires Stepping Into the Unknown Jane shares how a profound spiritual prompting led her family to leave a comfortable life and embrace the challenges of homesteading, trusting God one step at a time.
2. Your Detours May Become Your Purpose What seemed like an unexpected career shift eventually became the foundation for Jane's writing ministry and bestselling career.
3. Hope Is Found Through Faith, Family, and Community Through both history and personal experience, Jane highlights how people overcome life's "cellars of sorrow" by leaning on God and the support of others.

About Jane Kirkpatrick

Jane Kirkpatrick is a New York Times and CBA bestselling, award-winning author of more than forty books. Her works have received numerous honors, including the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and five Will Rogers Gold Medallion Awards. Jane lives in Central Oregon with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rupert.

Learn more at https://jkbooks.com/

Summer Reading List

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For more encouraging conversations that inspire women to pursue the passion God has placed in their hearts, visit LisaGranger.com.

Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart Summer Reading Series, Lisa Granger welcomes author, podcaster, coach, and speaker Rebecca George. Rebecca shares the journey behind her new children's book, Jasper Meets Sparkle, and the lessons she learned through the self-publishing process. From trusting God's timing and provision to overcoming fear and comparison, Rebecca offers encouragement for anyone pursuing a dream or calling God has placed on their heart. Rebecca also discusses how Jasper Meets Sparkle is designed to spark meaningful faith conversations within families and includes a unique field guide that helps children identify plants and animals featured throughout the story. 3 Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. Trust God's Timing Even When the Path Isn't Clear Rebecca shares the challenges of self-publishing and the uncertainty that came with the process. Through every delay, decision, and financial risk, she learned to trust God's provision and timing, even when the outcome wasn't fully visible. 2. Be Open-Handed with God's Direction What started as a children's story grew into something much more, including a 16-page field guide designed to encourage exploration and family discussion. Rebecca reminds us that God's plans often exceed our expectations when we remain flexible and willing to follow His lead. 3. Don't Let Fear, Comparison, or Insecurity Stop You Drawing from her book Do The Thing, Rebecca encourages women to identify the specific obstacles keeping them from pursuing their calling. Whether it's fear, self-doubt, or comparison, taking one faithful step forward can make all the difference. About Rebecca George Rebecca George is an author, podcaster, coach, and speaker whose greatest joy in life is discipling others to pursue their passions in a way that builds the Kingdom. In her free time, you can find her running outside, writing, or trying a new recipe with '90s country music playing in the background. Rebecca and her husband, Dustin, live in East Tennessee. • Instagram: @rebeccageorgeauthor • Website: www.radicalradiance.live • Jasper Meets Sparkle – Available at thejasperbooks.com Summer Reading Guide Looking for more great summer reads? Download Lisa's free Summer Reading Guide featuring authors and books discussed on the podcast this year and some previous guests. www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

Have you ever felt trapped by anxiety or overwhelmed by fear? You're not alone—and neither was bestselling biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar. In this Gem from the Archives from our Summer Reading Series, Tessa shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East to discovering Jesus in her twenties. She opens up about her years-long battle with anxiety, the transforming power of God's love, and how learning to trust Him brought lasting peace. Whether you're navigating anxious thoughts, longing to grow closer to God, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation with one of today's most beloved biblical fiction authors, this episode offers timeless encouragement and hope. Since this conversation first aired, Tessa has continued captivating readers with several new novels, including her acclaimed Queen Esther's Court series featuring The Queen's Cook and The Royal Artisan. Her newest novel, The Palace Spy, releases this November. In this episode, you'll discover: Tessa's remarkable journey to faith in Jesus How God met her in the midst of anxiety and fear The inspiration behind writing biblical fiction Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author whose novels have appeared on the Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into 12 languages. She is the recipient of the ECPA Bronze Milestone Award, Christy Award, INSPY Award, and ECPA Christian Book Award for her Bible study, The Way Home. Tessa earned her Master of Divinity from Yale University and lives with her husband, where she enjoys experimenting with biblical recipes and attempting to keep her garden alive. Connect with Tessa: https://tessaafshar.com/ For the complete Summer Reading List and connect with Lisa: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart."

Need a little escape into a happily-ever-after? Sometimes life leaves us discouraged, overwhelmed, and questioning whether our dreams are worth pursuing. In this encouraging conversation, bestselling author Pepper Basham reminds us that God places unique gifts and passions in our hearts for a reason—and our calling is to be faithful with them, writing, creating, and serving for an audience of One. Although Pepper always loved reading and writing, she put those dreams on hold while building a career and raising a family. When God opened the door for her to write, she had to push past feelings of inadequacy and trust that He would use the stories He'd placed on her heart. This episode is a Gem from the Archives, originally recorded two years ago, and it's the perfect addition to this year's Summer Reading Series. Pepper Basham is an award-winning and bestselling author whose novels blend romance, faith, grace, and plenty of humor. Whether she's writing contemporary rom-coms or historical fiction, her stories often feature her beloved Appalachian roots and her lifelong affection for the United Kingdom. Since this interview originally aired, Pepper has released several fan favorites, including Some Like It Scot, A Brewed Awakening, and her latest novel, The Bachelor Spy. Readers can also look forward to her upcoming release, Pride and Practicality, arriving in November 2026. In this episode, you'll discover: Why it's never too late to pursue the dream God has placed in your heart. How to overcome the lies of "I'm not enough." The importance of creating for an audience of One. Encouragement to embrace joy, creativity, and God's timing. Whether you're looking for your next great read or need encouragement to take the next step in your own calling, this conversation will inspire you to trust God with the gifts He's given you. Learn more about Pepper and all of her books at pepperdbasham.com . You can get the summer reading list at www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

Ever have a dream that seems to take much longer than you expected? It's easy to wonder if you've missed your opportunity, but God often uses the waiting to shape our hearts, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for something greater than we imagined. In this Gem from the Archives from 2024, bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer shares how her lifelong love of history and reading eventually grew into a writing career. Along the way, she faced rejection, criticism, and seasons of waiting, but the encouragement of faithful people in her life—and God's perfect timing—helped her continue pursuing the calling He had placed on her heart. Gabrielle also shares the inspiration behind the first novel in her beloved Timeless series, where history, faith, and unforgettable characters come together in stories that remind us God is always at work across every generation. Since this conversation was originally recorded, the Timeless series has grown to seven books, with another installment on the way. Gabrielle has also recently released To Dance with a Duke, with To Educate an Earl scheduled for release in October 2026. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Gabrielle's books for the first time, this conversation is a wonderful reminder that God is faithful to fulfill His purposes in His timing. About Gabrielle Meyer Gabrielle Meyer lives on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As a former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she developed a deep love for Minnesota's rich history, which inspires both her historical and contemporary novels. The Mississippi River serves as a constant source of inspiration, and readers will find a river flowing through each of her stories. When she's not writing, Gabrielle enjoys homeschooling her children, cheering them on at sporting and theatrical events, and gathering family and friends around her table. Connect with Gabrielle at https://gabriellemeyer.com/ . In This Episode: Trusting God's timing through seasons of waiting Persevering through rejection and criticism Using the gifts God has given you to bless others If this episode encourages you, share it with a friend who may need the reminder that God is still writing their story—even in the waiting. For the complete summer reading list: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

Some of the most powerful stories in Scripture belong to people we know the least about. In this Summer Reading Series Gem from the Archives, bestselling biblical fiction author Heather Kaufman joins me to talk about her novel Before the King, inspired by Joanna, one of the women who faithfully followed Jesus. Heather shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author and why Joanna's story captivated her heart. As the wife of a high-ranking official in Herod Antipas' court, Joanna lived between two very different worlds. Through Heather's storytelling, we see a woman of quiet courage, steadfast faith, and remarkable obedience—reminding us that God faithfully meets us wherever He calls us. Although this conversation centers on Before the King, Heather has since released her newest biblical novel, On Living Stone, continuing her passion for bringing Scripture to life through rich, hope-filled storytelling. If you're navigating a difficult season, wondering what God is doing behind the scenes, or simply love biblical fiction, this episode offers timeless encouragement. In this episode, you'll discover: • The importance of stewarding healing with God • How the Lord can rewrite painful narratives with His truth • Why courage and obedience often accompany God's calling • The assurance that God provides exactly what we need each day "There will be manna in the morning. When you wake up, He will give you exactly what you need." — Heather Kaufman "Anything we do that is for Him... is going to be hard." — Heather Kaufman Heather Kaufman is an award-winning author of biblical fiction and devotionals whose stories illuminate God's faithfulness through the lives of people found in Scripture. Praised by Kirkus Reviews for writing "a charming and well-crafted tale," Heather delights in helping readers encounter God through story. She lives near St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children, and since this conversation first aired, she has released her newest novel, On Living Stone. Whether you're discovering this conversation for the first time or listening again, you'll be encouraged to trust God's timing, embrace His presence, and remember that His grace is sufficient for every season. Connect with Heather Kaufman: https://www.hmkstories.com / For complete Summer Reading List: https://www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading Other show mentioned: Are You Willing to do What it Takes to Live a New Life? https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/are-you-willing-to-do-what-it-takes-to-live-a-new-life Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.