In today’s exciting spotlight on the Historical Bookworm Show, we welcome back Crystal Caudill, a gifted author known for her signature “Dangerously Good Historical Romance.” With impressive accolades to her name, including her 2023 Carole Award finalist debut novel, "Counterfeit Love," and her Christie Award-winning novella "Star of Wonder," Crystal's works have enchanted readers with their unique blend of history, romance, and suspense.
Romance In Her Own Words
Despite declaring herself not much of a romantic, Crystal has a compelling take on writing romance. Her stories are a beautiful reflection of relationships blossoming in the face of danger and adversity, drawing parallels to divine love. She shares, "I find romance to be a beautiful reflection of God's love for us. He pursues us. He fights for us. He loves us with reckless abandon." This deep-rooted belief makes her romance stand out — focused more on growth and partnership than simple gestures of affection.
Balancing Life’s Many Hats
Beyond writing, Crystal manages a busy personal life as a mother and caregiver. She candidly acknowledges that balance is an illusion, admitting that life’s demands fluctuate and necessitate giving priority to different roles at different times. Her reliance on prayer and faith keeps her grounded and hopeful that, through God’s guidance, she can meet her deadlines and tell stories that inspire.
Drawing Inspiration
The wellspring of Crystal's creativity is filled with diverse influences. She shares that inspiration comes through a variety of sources, such as art exhibits, music, and interacting with the works of authors she admires. Her commitment to enriching her writing style by learning from others resonates with many who find rejuvenation through similar creative exploration.
Written in Secret: A Thriller to Look Forward To
In her upcoming release, Written in Secret, Crystal takes us to 19th-century Cincinnati, where a mysterious narrative unfolds in the midst of corruption and intrigue. The story's heroine, Lydia Pelton, uses her talent as a crime novelist under the pseudonym E.A. Dupin to fight the societal wrongs she witnesses, but finds fiction bleeding into reality when a serial killer mimics her literary detective.
This novel promises a thrilling ride with Officer Abraham Hall joining Lydia in a quest to solve the murders haunting Cincinnati, despite initial misgivings. Their collaboration promises to uncover not just crime, but the depth of their own hearts in what is sure to be an enthralling tale of mystery and romance.
What's Next?
Our conversation with Crystal also unveils exciting details about her future projects. Book two of her Art of Love and Danger series delves into the world of music with opera singers and composers amidst whirlwind plots filled with intrigue. Meanwhile, book three promises to delve into pottery, painting, and women's rights within a narrative of sabotage.
For fans eager to dive deeper into Crystal's works, she invites you to visit her website at crystalcaudill.com. By signing up for her newsletter, you can receive a free copy of Counterfeit Truth, a novella prequel to her first series, Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age.
Connect with Crystal Caudill: Newsletter, Amazon, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram.
Other episodes that feature Crystal Caudill include:
A Bookchat about Star of Wonder with Crystal Caudill
Episode 26: Guest Amanda Cabot & a Review of Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill
Episode 25: Guest Crystal Caudill and a Book Review Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund