A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger

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:
God Can Use Waiting Seasons for Good
Grace Is Stronger Than Shame
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/
Get the 2026 Summer Reading List
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com 

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
Faith Often Requires Stepping Into the UnknownJane 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.
Your Detours May Become Your PurposeWhat seemed like an unexpected career shift eventually became the foundation for Jane's writing ministry and bestselling career.
Hope Is Found Through Faith, Family, and CommunityThrough 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
Looking for more inspiring reads this summer? Grab your free summer reading guide!
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.

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
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.
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.
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
Looking for more great Christian fiction and nonfiction recommendations this summer?
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If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. You can find more inspiring conversations and resources at www.lisagranger.com.
Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

What stories have shaped your life—and which ones have yet to be told?
In this episode of A Woman's Heart, Lisa welcomes Christy Award-winning author Sara Brunsvold to discuss her novel, Atlas of Untold Stories. Sara shares the inspiration behind a story that follows a mother and her two grown daughters on a literary road trip through the Midwest, exploring themes of family legacy, healing, identity, and faith.
Drawing from her love of literature, her Midwestern roots, and her own journey as a writer, Sara offers insight into the powerful influence of family stories and the importance of creating space for meaningful conversations. Together, Lisa and Sara discuss the generational beliefs we inherit, the courage it takes to challenge limiting mindsets, and the beauty of pursuing God-given passions with purpose.
Listeners will be encouraged to reflect on the stories that have shaped them and consider how God may be writing a new chapter in their own lives.
Three Key Takeaways
Untold stories can bring healing and deeper connection.
Sara encourages readers to create space for vulnerable conversations with loved ones. Through patience, grace, and a willingness to listen, family stories that have remained hidden can become pathways to understanding and healing.
Fear often silences hope.
One of the memorable themes from Atlas of Untold Stories is the idea that "until the fear is quieted, the hope can't be heard." The novel explores how fear can shape generations and how faith helps us move forward into freedom and hope.
God-honoring passions are worth pursuing.
Sara shares her personal journey of becoming a novelist despite practical concerns and discouragement. She encourages listeners to keep God at the center of their dreams, seek His guidance, and trust Him with the outcome.
About Sara Brunsvold
Sara Brunsvold (pronounced Bruns—as in "bRUN"—vold as in "vOLD") is the Christy Award-winning author of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. She creates stories that boldly engage contemporary issues through the lens of hope and unshakable faith. Her passion is to connect with readers first through books and then through meaningful conversation. Sara lives with her family in Kansas.
Connect with Sara: https://sarabrunsvold.com/
Get your free Summer Reading list: www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading
Because God has placed something precious in every woman's heart.

On this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with award-winning children’s author Liz A. Pitman to talk about identity in Christ, purpose, and helping children understand their God-given worth from an early age.
Liz shares the powerful story behind her beloved “Pete the Puzzle Piece” series and how a simple puzzle piece moment became the inspiration for a ministry focused on reminding children — and adults — that they are deeply loved, uniquely created, and valuable in God’s eyes.
Throughout the conversation, Liz opens up about overcoming doubt during the writing process, trusting God through challenges, and recognizing the “God winks” that confirmed she was walking in His purpose. She also encourages parents to intentionally build a strong spiritual foundation in their children’s lives by helping them understand their identity in Christ.
This uplifting conversation is a reminder that no matter your age, your value is not based on performance or comparison — you are God’s masterPIECE.
3 Key Takeaways
Your identity and worth are found in Christ, not in accomplishments or comparison.
God often confirms our purpose through small moments of encouragement and “God winks.”
Parents can help shape a child’s confidence and purpose by speaking truth and identity into their lives early.
About Liz Pitman:
Liz A. Pitman is an award-winning author, speaker, and founder of Puzzle Piece Productions and Publications. Her award-winning book Where Is the Missing Puzzle Piece? encourages children and families to discover their identity, purpose, and worth in Christ, reminding every “puzzle piece” they are loved, valuable, and God’s masterPIECE. For more information about her books and resources, or to schedule Liz for a reading or speaking engagement, visit petethepuzzlepiece.com. 
For the Summer Reading List: www.lisagranger.com/summer-reading

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 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

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

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

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