A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger

Summer Reading: Jaime Jo Wright: Frightening Shadows, Secrets & Redemption

In this captivating Summer Reading Series episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with bestselling Christian Gothic novelist Jaime Jo Wright to explore the deeper themes behind her haunting and hope-filled stories. Jaime shares why she’s drawn to the Christian Gothic genre, how suspense and mystery can point readers toward faith, and the inspiration behind her newest novel, The Bookshop of 99 Doors.
The conversation dives into powerful topics including forgiveness, reconciliation, mental illness, PTSD, family dynamics, generational legacy, and navigating differences in faith and beliefs with grace and healthy boundaries. Jaime also reflects on the sacrifices and struggles military veterans face, and how God can work through difficult relationships and painful histories. There’s a nod to former Summer Reading author Pepper Basham.
This episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and thoughtful conversation about how light can shine even through life’s darkest hallways.
3 Key Takeaways
Healthy boundaries and loving relationships can coexist, even when families or friends hold different beliefs and perspectives.
Our personal stories are deeply shaped by generational legacies, hidden struggles, and the people who came before us.
God can use creativity, storytelling, and even darker themes to reveal hope, healing, grace, and redemption.
About Jaime Jo Wright
Jaime Jo Wright is a coffee-fueled, cat-loving author who lives in the rural woodlands of Wisconsin with her family, six cats, an axolotl, and far too many houseplants. Known for her atmospheric Christian Gothic novels inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, Jaime blends mystery, suspense, and faith with stories that lead readers through dark hallways toward hope-filled endings.
Learn more at Jaime Wright Books
Conversation with Pepper Basham.
Get the Summer Reading list and connect with Lisa

Summer Reading – Callie Murray: The Power of Home, Hope and Helping Hands

Summer Reading Series! In this episode, Lisa sits down with author Callie Murray to discuss her historical fiction novel, The Brunswick. Set in 1939 Norcross, Georgia, the story follows Cora Kane, a woman who opens her family’s hotel to Jewish refugee children fleeing Austria as World War II looms overseas.
Callie shares the powerful inspiration behind the book—and how she wrote it before knowing she would one day adopt four children of her own. Together, Lisa and Callie explore the deeper themes woven throughout the novel, including grief, prejudice, and what it truly means to create “a soft place to land.” They also discuss the vital role of community in foster care, revealing how support systems can dramatically increase the likelihood of families continuing their fostering journey.
This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that while not everyone is called to foster, we are all called to care—and that real change begins when we choose to see people as individuals, not labels.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
The story behind The Brunswick and its historical roots
The importance of community support for foster families
Why relationships—not headlines—break down barriers
Callie Murray is an entrepreneur who has been featured on The Today Show and in The New York Times. Her debut Southern fiction book delves into the lesser-knows historical details preceding Would War II. Callie and her husband live in Norcross, Georgia with their seven children, four of whom came through the honor of foster care/adoption. Learn more at CallieMurray.com
*Proceeds from The Brunswick go toward supporting foster and adoptive families, with grants already making a real impact!
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Mandy Horne: What Now God? Finding Purpose in the Unexpected

What happens when life takes a turn you never expected? In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Mandy Horne for an honest and hope-filled conversation about trusting God through life’s transitions.
Mandy shares her journey through major health challenges, including open heart surgery at just 19 years old, and how those experiences reshaped her dreams, strengthened her faith, and ultimately led her into nursing and ministry. From fears about motherhood to raising two children — including a son with autism — Mandy reflects on how God used every season to prepare her for her calling.
Together, Lisa and Mandy talk about the challenges many women face in midlife: empty nest transitions, burnout, caregiving, health struggles, and the feeling of asking, “What now, God?” Mandy encourages listeners to spend time with God, learn to recognize His voice, and trust that even the painful or unexpected parts of life are never wasted.
If you’ve ever struggled with changing seasons, uncertainty about your purpose, or letting go of plans that didn’t unfold the way you imagined, this conversation will remind you that God is still guiding your steps with purpose and hope.
Key Takeaways:
Trusting God when your plans fall apart
Learning to hear God’s voice through everyday life
Why no season or experience is ever wasted
About Mandy Horne:
Mandy Horne is a Registered Nurse, Board-Certified Holistic Nurse and Nurse Coach, and founder of Wellspring of Life Coaches. With more than 25 years of nursing experience and her own journey through significant health challenges, Mandy helps midlife Christian women navigate burnout, health struggles, caregiving, hormone changes, empty nest transitions, and other difficult life seasons. Through faith-based coaching and whole-person wellness support, she encourages women to reconnect with God, restore what feels depleted, and step into their next season with hope and purpose. https://www.wellspringoflifecoaches.com/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Sue Donaldson: The Gift of Community One Invitation at a Time

On this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with speaker, author, and podcaster Sue Donaldson to talk about her latest book, Never Alone, and the life-changing power of hospitality.
From casual “wine nights” to mentoring young adults and creating spaces where both Christians and non-Christians feel seen and loved, Sue explains how hospitality is far more than entertaining—it’s a reflection of God’s character and an opportunity to point people toward Jesus.
The conversation dives into faith, community, trusting God through difficult seasons, and how opening our homes can become a form of personal growth and sanctification. Through heartfelt stories and practical wisdom, Sue encourages listeners to stop striving for perfection and instead focus on making people feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
Key Takeaways
Hospitality is about serving and connecting with people, not impressing them.
Small acts of welcome can create deep relationships and open doors for faith-filled conversations.
God uses hospitality to transform both the guest and the host.
About Sue Donaldson
Speaker, author, and podcaster Sue Donaldson lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband, Mark. A former high school English teacher, Sue also taught in Brazil with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She and Mark have raised three daughters, and Sue has spent the last 20 years speaking, writing, and encouraging others to connect people to one another, to God, and to His Word. She blogs and hosts the podcast WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life. Learn more at Welcome Heart.
To listen to Sue’s previous conversation: Leaving a Beautiful Legacy
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Melissa Rymer: Victim to Warrior—Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

What does it take to break free from narcissistic abuse—and rebuild your life with faith and purpose? Melissa Rymer shares her powerful journey of escaping an abusive marriage and turning her pain into purpose—now helping others recognize the signs of narcissistic abuse and begin their own healing process.
They unpack key red flags, including the critical warning sign of when words and actions don’t align, and how narcissistic relationships slowly erode self-worth. Melissa offers practical, faith-centered tools for recovery, from journaling for clarity to breaking emotional ties and reconnecting with your true identity.
Key Takeaways:
Recognize the red flags of narcissistic abuse—especially misaligned words and actions
Use journaling and self-reflection to regain clarity and rebuild your identity
Lean on faith and community to move from surviving to thriving
Melissa Rymer is a certified narcissistic abuse recovery and divorce coach, author, and co-founder of the Victim to Warrior Method. A survivor herself, she empowers others to break free from toxic relationships and reclaim their strength, clarity, and purpose. She’s the author of nine books, including Victim to Warrior, and co-hosts the Warrior Talk! podcast with her husband, John, sharing real conversations on healing and empowerment.
Resources Mentioned:
Victim to Warrior: The Ultimate Guide for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery by Melissa Rymer
Victim to Warrior Method (quiz, support, community, and coaching)
Learn more and access resources:
https://victimtowarriormethod.com/heart/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Lady Jen Du Plessis: Breaking Free from Hustle to Harmony

In this powerful episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Lady Jen Du Plessis—speaker, author, and business leader—to talk about transformation, identity, and living a life led by inspiration rather than pressure.
Lady Jen shares the story behind her childhood nickname, “Jenny Who Ain’t Got a Penny,” and how that early identity shaped her drive and work ethic. Lady Jen opens up about her struggle with workaholism and the pivotal moment that changed everything—realizing she was missing meaningful family time while consumed with business. That wake-up call led her to develop her life-changing philosophy: shifting from hustle to harmony.
Together, Lisa and Lady explore:
Breaking free from hustle culture without sacrificing success
Why clarity often comes after taking action, not before
Learning to trust your intuition when God is calling you forward
Lady Jen Du Plessis is a globally recognized business scaling expert, media personality, and host of three top-ranked podcasts, including Mortgage Lending Mastery. With over 40 years in finance and $400M+ in revenue generated, she’s known for her 5-Step Hustle to HarmonEY system, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses while reclaiming their time. A bestselling author and international speaker, she equips leaders to elevate their influence and impact through media and relationships.
🔗 Learn more about Lady Jen and her work: www.ladyjenduplessis.com 
To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch: Healing Power of Your Story to overcome

Have you ever experienced church hurt or struggled to share your story? In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa Granger talks with Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch—Founder and CEO of Altered Stories Ministry, host of the Altered Stories Show podcast, and author of The Story Within You: The Healing Power of Your Story.
Mischelle shares her personal journey of healing from church hurt, abuse, and the pain of being a childhood cult survivor. Through prayer, forgiveness, and trusting God’s leading, she found freedom and purpose—and now helps other women share their God stories.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:✨ The power of sharing your testimony✨ Forgiveness and letting go of unforgiveness✨ How God can use your story for His glory
Mischelle is a speaker and ministry leader passionate about helping women embrace the healing power of their stories. She’s a wife, mother to her adult daughter, Gigi, and dog mom living in Missouri.
Learn more about Mischelle and Altered Stories Ministry: https://alteredstories.org/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Carol McCracken: Addiction to Redemption, Second Chance at a Better Life

What does it look like when God rewrites your story? In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Carol McCracken—speaker, author, Bible teacher, and podcaster—to talk about redemption, second chances, and the faithfulness of God through life’s hardest seasons.
Carol shares her deeply personal journey from what she once considered a “boring” life to navigating overwhelming challenges, including raising a child with special needs, struggling with alcohol addiction, and walking through divorce. But her story doesn’t end there.
Through the support of community and the life-changing impact of AA, Carol found healing and freedom. In a beautiful display of God’s redemption, she and her ex-husband reconciled and remarried—something they both believe was divinely orchestrated.
This conversation is a reminder that no season is wasted. God can use every struggle to shape our purpose and draw us closer to Him.
Key Takeaways:
God does not waste our pain—He redeems it
Isolation can deepen struggles, but community brings healing
God equips you for the calling He places on your life
About Carol McCracken
Carol Ogle McCracken is a podcaster, speaker, Bible teacher, and author who brings the written Word of God to life, inspiring women to pursue a personal and vibrant relationship with Him. Through her authentic storytelling—including her journey through alcoholism—Carol shares Biblical truths with real-life application and humor, helping women connect to their God-given purpose.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.carolmccracken.com/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Cherie Nettles: Faith, Miracles, and the Astonishing Power of Story

What if your story—no matter how ordinary it seems—holds the power to impact someone’s eternity?
In this inspiring episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Christian comedian and storyteller Cherie Nettles to talk about faith, healing, and the life-changing power of sharing your story.
Cherie opens up about her incredible journey, including a 24-year battle with rheumatoid arthritis and a shocking ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2002—when doctors gave her just 90 days to live. Yet today, more than two decades later, she is cancer-free without treatment, boldly declaring the goodness and power of God.
Cherie Nettles is a Southern born and raised knee-slapping, belly-laughing people magnet. She is a comedienne, humorist storyteller, Certified Laughter Leader, Bible teacher, motivational speaker and writer. Cherie is a hilarious overcomer. From overcoming an abusive childhood, being diagnosed in her teens with a crippling disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and being a 22-year Ovarian cancer survivor, she learned quickly that sorrow brings sickness while joy brings healing. 
💛 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Cherie responded to a life-altering cancer diagnosis
Why your personal story is one of the most powerful ways to share your faith
How God can use humor and storytelling to bring healing and hope
Cherie reminds us that while people may debate theology, they cannot deny a transformed life. Your story matters—and it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
🔗 Connect with Cherie Nettles: https://www.cherienettles.net/
🎧 Listen & Share:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope today.You can find more episodes at lisagranger.com and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Deena Adams: Opportunities for Faith & Redemption in the Storms of Life

In this heartfelt episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with author Deena Adams to talk about her powerful debut novel, Stronger Than the Storm—a story rooted in real-life experiences and deep faith.The book explores themes of family, forgiveness, identity, and redemption. Deena opens up about the personal journeys that inspired the story, including her daughter’s prodigal path and her own emotional experience of discovering her biological father.This conversation is a powerful reminder of the healing that comes through honesty, vulnerability, and trusting God in the midst of life’s storms. Deena also encourages listeners to step into their God-given passions, reminding us that it’s never too late to use your story to help others find hope and healing.As a Jesus girl for over thirty years, and a pastor’s wife for most of those, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life. This belief fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true-life stories. She is a Certified Mental Health Coach, a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member.Key Takeaways• God can bring redemption from even the most painful situations • Freedom comes when we release the opinions of others • It’s never too late to pursue what God has placed on your heart Learn more about Deena, her book, Stronger Than the Storm, and her ministry by visiting her website and connecting with her on social media. https://deenaadams.com/ If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope today.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review A Woman’s Heart so more women can be inspired and uplifted. www.lisagranger.com