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Crystal Caudill returns to the podcast this week to chat with us about her new book, Counterfeit Faith. We talk about whether she likes to write heroes or villains more, how she researched Philadelphia in Victorian times, and what board games she likes to play with her family. Patrons get to hear the bonus question about how she names her characters.
Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill
She’s losing her faith in mankind. He’s lost his faith in God. Can working together restore them both?
As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She’ll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she’s determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don’t like to be crossed–and they’re willing to kill to get their way.
Gwendolyn knows she can’t quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.
Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble–and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he’s truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.
As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible–if they can live through this case. At the same time, he’s put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?
“Readers who love romance, suspense, and a graceful amount of faith won’t want to miss this story.”
–Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author
“With a host of sympathetic and likable characters (and a few not so likable), a riveting plot that clips along at the perfect pace, and a relatable faith thread, this book [is a] completely enjoyable read.”
–Kimberly Duffy, Carol Award finalist and author of A Tapestry of Light
Get your copy of Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill.
Meet Crystal Caudill
Reading and writing are a part of my soul. One look at the yellowed pages of my memory box will reveal words and creativity have sought expression from the moment I held a crayon.
Initially, I read and wrote to escape our family challenges and struggles. If those characters could endure dangerous adventures and hair-raising rescues, I could survive another day. My source of escape grew into a secret passion as I delved into history and crafted my owns stories of hope through danger.
Even after I married and had two wonderful boys, stories flowed from my fingertips. Writing remained my sanity, but more than that, it became the tool through which God taught and spoke to me. The stories came through my fingertips, but they were marked with His fingerprints.
I never dreamed it would lead to something more.
In June 2015, my husband treated me to a writer’s conference. I was excited to improve my writing, but I never had any intention beyond personal gratification. God’s plan ended up being slightly bigger.
From the very first moment of the conference, God made it clear I needed to pursue writing as a career. Over and over He put publishing in my face. All the classes except publishing topics were canceled. I did not jump up and down in excitement for this call. Hope-filled terror made me question, God would You really use something so important to me to serve You?
Yes, and He continues to prove faithful in my writing. Although not easy, I obediently write. My stories are still filled with danger, struggle, and history, but they are also permeated with the hope and love of Christ. I hope they are dangerously good. Good for the heart and for the soul.