In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman catches up with longtime friend and bestselling author Deborah Raney! Deb drops in to discuss her new release, Who Names the Stars?, the third standalone novel in her God Who series exploring different attributes of God's character.

Deb opens up about her life on the road traveling in a camper van with her husband, her joy in grandparenthood, and what it’s like having five different editors look at a manuscript before her husband catches the final typos. She shares the heartwarming behind-the-scenes story of writing this novel with her 93-year-old father as her chief Kansas ranching researcher, the challenge of writing a realistic modern-day "marriage of convenience", and why redemption remains the central thread of her storytelling.

Plus, stick around for our signature Lightning Round, where Deb reveals her secret "Easter egg" word hidden in every single one of her novels!

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman sits down with first-time guest Christina Suzann Nelson! Known for her poignant women's fiction and her signature motto, "Hope in a world of trauma," Christina drops in to discuss her novel Orange is the Color of Goodbye.

Christina shares the powerful real-life inspiration behind the book—a video from a hospice worker about realistic expectations during end-of-life care—and how her own experience as a mother of six (including five adopted children) fuels her perspective on healing and resilience. They dive deep into the emotional weight of writing through dark themes, how Christina balances writing heavy women's fiction alongside fun cozy mysteries, and her unique pre-order surprise for readers!

Plus, don't miss our signature Lightning Round, where Christina reveals her favorite word, her TV show counterpart, and her go-to audiobooks!

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman sits down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne! Currently working on her 80th book, RaeAnne drops in to discuss her latest release, The Rainy Day Bookshop—a charming intergenerational story blending women's fiction, small-town warmth, dual romances, and family restoration.

RaeAnne shares her transition from high school drama and ten years as a newspaper editor into full-time fiction writing, how journalism taught her that "everyone has a story," and why writing only gets harder the more experienced you become. She and Cara explore the dynamics of four generations of women living under one roof, the rise of reader culture and bookshop settings, and the story behind the book’s perfect cover design.

Plus, stay tuned for our signature Lightning Round, where RaeAnne reveals her favorite word (coincidentally shared with guest Deb Raney!), her top books of all time, and what cheers her up on a rainy day!

Learn more about RaeAnne and her books at: https://www.raeannethayne.com/

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!