Faith, Fear, and the Unseen Battle: Author, Emily Spencer Kane on Finding Light in the Middle of the Story – October 2025

Emily Spencer Kane

What if the trials and spiritual battles you face aren’t the end of the story—but the doorway into something deeper?

In this rich and meaningful episode, host Shelly Brown sits down with debut author Emily Spencer Kane to talk about her novel, The Chronicles of Emunah: Hazel Atlas and the Doorway to Ohr. While the book unfolds in a fantasy setting, it’s far from imaginary—this powerful story is rooted in Emily’s personal walk with God, her global missions journey, and the spiritual truths that transformed her life.

Together, Shelly and Emily talk about…
• How traveling to over 30 countries shaped her characters and her faith
• Why spiritual warfare is more than metaphor—and what freedom looks like
• How Hazel’s internal struggles mirror Emily’s own battle with fear, worth, and surrender
• The importance of being still and learning to listen for the voice of God

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Turn Your Book into Social Squares

social squares

This Week’s Tip: Turn Your Book into Social Squares

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to keep your book in front of people. You already have everything you need—inside the pages you’ve written!

One of the easiest ways to share your message again and again is to turn key quotes from your book into social media graphics.

And you don’t need to be a designer—Canva makes it quick and simple.

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From Rock Bottom to Redemption: Johnny Ray’s 5R Path to Recovery

Johnny Ray

What if the lowest point of your story is exactly where God begins to rewrite your life?
Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of At This Table, Shelly Brown sits down with Johnny Ray—founder of 5R Recovery and author of 5R Recovery: Works in Progress, Vol. 1. Johnny shares his journey from years of meth addiction and despair to a life-changing encounter with God that sparked a new path: Remember, Recover, Rejoice, Reborn, Relive.
Together, Shelly and Johnny talk about surrender, why grace and tough love both matter, and how true recovery goes below the surface to address the heart. You’ll hear why prayer should come first—not last—in healing, and how purpose grows as we serve others. Johnny’s honesty and warmth offer hope to anyone battling addiction—or loving someone who is—and his practical framework gives listeners a simple way to walk forward with Jesus, one step at a time.

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Turn Your Book into an Article or Blog Posts

article

This Week’s Tip: Turn Your Book into an Article or Blog Posts (Without Writing from Scratch)
You’ve already done the heavy lifting—researching, writing, editing, and shaping your book. But here’s the secret: your book doesn’t have to live only between two covers.

With just a little creativity, you can slice your book into smaller pieces and use it to attract new readers who might never stumble across it otherwise.

Here’s What to Do This Week:

1. Pick one chapter or section of your book. Highlight a key idea, takeaway, or story that stands well on its own.

2. Rewrite it as a blog post or article.

o Nonfiction authors: turn a principle into a “how-to” article, listicle, or short teaching post.

o Fiction authors: share the research behind your story, a character backstory, or the history that shaped your novel.

o Children’s book authors: write posts for parents, teachers, or grandparents about the themes in your story—like kindness, courage, or faith. You could share storytime tips, printable activities, or “the lesson behind the story.” (Example: “5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Generosity” tied back to your book’s message.)

3. Post it where people already read. Think: your blog, LinkedIn, Medium, Substack, or even as a guest post for another site.

4. Always include a note at the end. Example: “Excerpted (or Adapted) from [Book Title]. Grab your copy here: [link].”

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Restored: Finding Purpose and Joy After Deep Loss with Cindy Brinker Simmons

Cindy Brinker Simmons

A Conversation with Best-Selling Author Cindy Brinker Simmons
What if the very thing that broke your heart is the soil God uses to grow your deepest healing?
We’re re-airing one of our most heartfelt conversations—this time to celebrate the much-anticipated release of the audiobook version of Restored: Reconnecting Life’s Broken Pieces by bestselling author and ministry leader Cindy Brinker Simmons.
In this powerful episode of At This Table, host Shelly Brown sits down with Cindy to talk about grief, healing, faith, and the deeply personal story behind Restored. From losing her mother, tennis legend Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly, at just twelve years old, to later walking through the devastating loss of her husband, Cindy knows what it means to have your world fall apart—and to watch God gently put the pieces back together.
Whether you’re in the thick of heartache or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation is full of comfort, truth, and practical encouragement.

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Use a Facebook Group as your Secret Weapon

Facebook Group

This Week’s Tip: Use a Facebook group as your secret weapon for a book launch (or re-launch)

Your Facebook page and profile are like standing on a stage with a microphone … you’re broadcasting. But a Facebook group? That’s like inviting people into your living room. It turns one-way communication into real community, and community is where transformation (and book sales!) happen.

Here’s What to Do This Week:

Decide what pain point or need your group will meet. (Example: parents feeling helpless with prodigal children, women struggling with identity, people needing encouragement in grief.)

Choose a clear, simple name that signals who it’s for. (Example: Moms Praying for Prodigals, Daughters of Hope: Finding Identity in Christ, Grief & Grace Community.)

Invite your first 10 people personally—send a warm DM, text, or email.

Post something engaging right away—a poll, a question, or a short devotional. Don’t make them join a ghost town!

Plan one mini-series or challenge to keep momentum going.

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