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Author Interview,  Giveaway,  Hope-filled Fiction

Interview with Megan Soja & a Giveaway

June 18, 2025 /

I’m thrilled to host Historical Romance author Megan Soja this week as she shares about her new release, Secrets of the Revolution.

Be sure to scroll to the comments section at the end of this post and leave a comment by Tuesday, June 24, for a chance to win a paperback of Megan’s book. (US resident only)

Welcome to the Hope-filled Fiction blog, Megan! Let’s start off by hearing what you, as a child, wanted to be when you grew up.

Part of me always dreamed of being an author, but I also loved science and nature. As a young child, I wanted to be a marine biologist. I even thought I wanted to swim with sharks, an opinion which has since changed! 

While I did end up pursuing biology in college, I used my degree for something a little closer to home, first in a lab and later as a high school teacher. I’m thankful for those experiences but being able to write full time and be home with my daughters now is the best “job” of all.

Being a full time mom and author sounds perfect! As a Christian writer, how do you incorporate Christ and hope into your stories?

I’m not a huge plotter in that I don’t plan out my whole book ahead of time, but the one thing I always plan before I begin the spiritual arc. For me, the story would be incomplete without the characters looking to God for their ultimate answer in any challenge they encounter, and I want that to come across in a way that is both natural and clear for the reader. 

We have no greater hope than our hope in Christ, and that is something that is at the foundation of everything I write. I also always choose a theme verse to inspire the story. The verses for this book are Psalm 91:1 and 15.

I love that answer! Let’s talk about Secrets of the Revolution. Is it inspired by true events or personal history? 

A combination of both! The true events are the historical pieces woven throughout – focusing on the tension following the Boston Tea Party and the lead up into Lexington and Concord, the first battles of what would become the American Revolution. 

Much of the inspiration for the spy ring in this story was also taken from the real history of the Culper Ring. But there are personal aspects represented in this story too. Hannah’s father deals with what we today might call dementia or Alzheimer’s, which is something I’ve experienced with both my grandma and mother-in-law.

I’m sorry you’ve had that experience with loved ones. That’s so hard. Writing about the American Revolution must require extensive research. How do you tackle that?

I like to start big picture with sources that give a high-level overview of the events I’m going to feature in my story. Often, I find history podcasts to listen to or even books geared toward middle grade aged children as that gives me a nice broad strokes introduction. Then I narrow down with books by historians on the topic to understand the details in greater depth. I also spend as much time as I can with primary sources because they give the best and most realistic insight. 

The initial research for my first book was the most intensive, since I was trying to grasp not just the events for that story (the Boston Tea Party) but the time period as a whole. Now that I’ve been immersed in the world of 1770s Boston, my research goes a bit faster, as I just need to hone in on the major historical points for each individual story.

I admire you and other authors who put in so much research to write authentic stories. Kudos to you! Tell us about the setting of your current novel. Is it a real location or fictional?

Secrets is set in Boston between the years of 1774 and 1775, so very much a real location, but also significantly different than it is today! The city is steeped in history, and I’ve loved learning about it both through research and visits to historic locations that still exist. 

One of the most interesting things I learned was how different the actual landmass of Boston is now from what it looked like 250 years ago. In the 1700s, it was nearly an island, with just a narrow strip of land connecting it to the rest of Massachusetts. Much of the surrounding water has since been filled in to create the current-day Boston.

That’s so interesting! What do you hope your readers take away from Secrets of the Revolution?

A big theme that runs through this book is that of trusting God, not only with your own life, but with the lives of those you love. This is something I’ve been challenged by in my own walk with God, which is why I wanted to weave it into Will and Hannah’s story. 

I hope readers will be inspired by the way the characters wrestle with this concept, and that they walk away encouraged toward their own deeper trust in the Lord.

Love it. What is one of your favorite quotes from Secrets of the Revolution?

One of my favorite quotes is: “Sometimes, the circumstances in which we find it hardest to be thankful are the ones that shape our lives the most.” 

This is a really personal one for me, and reflective of my own life. More than once, I’ve seen God work through difficult times to draw me closer to Him, grow my faith, and lead me on the path He has planned for me.

A great quote and so true. What’s next from you?

I’m currently wrapping up my manuscript of book 3 in my Harbor of Spies series. Once I send that off to my editor, I’ll dive right into research and writing for book 4. Both of those stories are slated to release in 2026. 

While each book in this series can stand alone, they do feature related characters and follow the major events in Boston at the start of the Revolution, so I hope readers will enjoy the whole experience!

Thanks so much for sharing on my blog this week, Megan! I pray the Lord will continue to bless your publishing journey.

Visit the #HopeFilledFiction blog and leave a comment on Megan Soja’s interview by 6/24 for a chance to win her #historical novel, Secrets of the Revolution. #giveaway

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Join the conversation. Are you a Historical Fiction fan? Have you read Megan’s first novel, Spark of the Revolution? Do you enjoy reading about the American Revolution? What questions or comments do you have for Megan?

Be sure to scroll to the comments section below and leave a comment by June 24 for a chance to win a paperback of Secrets of the Revolution. (US resident only)

Secrets of the Revolution book cover

Secrets of the Revolution by Megan Soja

Click the book cover for purchase link

The cause of liberty brought them together. Will it also tear them apart?

Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies…and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart.

William Abbott always keeps his promises. He vowed long ago to never abandon those in need like his father did. So when new British acts of Parliament threaten Boston and endanger his family, he throws himself into serving the Patriot cause, using his position at the printing office to gather and spread intelligence. But when his clandestine role in the newly formed spy ring causes him to cross paths with the apothecary’s beautiful daughter, he may find himself fighting for more than the cause.
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As tensions in Boston reach a breaking point, Will and Hannah find their bond deepening even as the noose tightens around the spy ring. When promises and determination are not enough to protect the ones they love, they’ll need to trust God if they are to survive what is to come.

Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.

Connect with Megan: Website / Instagram / Facebook / Goodreads

Megan Soja head shot

Please share Megan’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her new book!

If you missed Chip Tudor’s interview last week about his Contemporary novel, Finding Grace, READ IT HERE.

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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54 Comments

  • Deena Adams
    June 25, 2025 at 9:47 am

    Congratulations to MaryAnn, the winner of Megan’s book! Please check your email to learn how to claim your prize. Thanks to all who engaged on the post! I hope you’ll continue to comment on interviews for more chances to win great books!

  • Vickie
    June 23, 2025 at 2:36 pm

    This book sounds so good. I loved reading about how the Boston harbor landscape has changed and also your writing process.

  • Kelly Goshorn
    June 21, 2025 at 1:48 pm

    Megan is a new-to-me author. This cover is gorgeous and I want to read this book! It sounds fascinating and you know I’m a historical fiction/romance fan! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Megan’s book!

    • Deena Adams
      June 21, 2025 at 2:11 pm

      I love the cover, too, Kelly. It’s gorgeous. And the story sounds so interesting! Thanks for your comment, and good luck in the giveaway!

  • Courtney
    June 21, 2025 at 1:30 pm

    My love for historical Fiction started with Laura ingalls wilder’s little house on the prairie series.

  • Demi Griffin
    June 21, 2025 at 12:57 pm

    Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Though I have been branching out lately, I always come back to it. (First love sort of thing) I appreciate all the research that goes into creating such great novels – especially ones that take place during this time period of the Revolution because it isn’t as common as the Civil Way period novels (which I also enjoy).

    • Deena Adams
      June 21, 2025 at 2:13 pm

      I totally agree with you about the research for a historical book, Demi. I can’t imagine the hours invested. Thanks for your comment!

  • Lakeisha Heeringa
    June 21, 2025 at 12:20 pm

    I went to Boston last year and my love for all things American Revolution just exploded. I’m always on the lookout for well-researched Christian books from that time period so I’m excited to add a new-to-me author to my TBR pile! I’d love to win a copy.

    • Deena Adams
      June 21, 2025 at 5:06 pm

      Best of luck in the giveaway, Lakeisha! I love introducing readers to authors, and I hope you love Megan’s books when you get a chance to read them.

  • Lual Krautter
    June 21, 2025 at 10:21 am

    Sounds like a great book, and a wonderful, intriguing series! Would love to win a print copy, especially since you are a new-to-me author, and the topic. Although I grew up in Paraguay, South America, where my parents were Christian missionaries for 36 years, working with primitive Indian tribes, my husband grew up in Scotch Plains, NJ. Later, his family moved to Wyoming (where I met him at a Bible college), so I definitely enjoy reading about the Eastern US, and its history! Now we live in Montana, where he pastors a small rural church. It sounds like I’ll enjoy all of the elements you include in your stories, especially the in-depth faith factor, which is so very important to give hope in the Lord to people. Thank you for the opportunity. I wish you the best with your future work and research on your next books, and, I’m sure, we will all look forward to them in 2026! God bless! I invite you to check out my missionary background and art work from the US and Paraguay at: http://www.facebook.com/LualOKrautter

    • Deena Adams
      June 21, 2025 at 2:13 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your history with us, Lual! God bless you and your husband as you serve Him!

  • Kathy Bailey
    June 19, 2025 at 9:49 am

    Megan, this sounds great! I live in New Hampshire, about an hour from Boston and an hour-and-a-half from Lexington and Concord. Been there many times and have used for background for a (still unpublished) Revolution story of my own. I’m always stunned when I go there, especially to Lexington and stand on the green. People reading, sunbathing, tossing Frisbees at the place where democracy was birthed — and it’s okay.It takes my breath away. Thanks for sharing.

    • Megan Soja
      June 19, 2025 at 3:10 pm

      Oh how neat to live so close! It really is an amazing feeling to stand there. We were able to go to Lexington for the 250th reenactment this April and it was such a special experience.

  • Kera Bell
    June 18, 2025 at 7:37 pm

    I think I will like this book I like historical fiction, but I also like some kind of suspense in my books!

  • SARAH TAYLOR
    June 18, 2025 at 6:21 pm

    This Book sounds amazing and I love the cover Thank you for the chance this is a New to me Author! Can’t wait to read this

  • Roxanne C.
    June 18, 2025 at 2:41 pm

    This sounds like an amazing series, and I especially appreciate the in depth research the author has done. I am quite interested and still remember my class field trip to the Freedom Trail in Boston.

  • Teresa Warner
    June 18, 2025 at 1:07 pm

    Historical reads are usually not my go to read! I do enjoy reading new authors, thanks for the chance!

  • Kelly V
    June 18, 2025 at 12:19 pm

    I love historical fiction. I haven’t read Megan’s first novel but certainly would given the opportunity. I enjoy reading about the American Revolution and just about anything else related to history.

  • Teresa Bass
    June 18, 2025 at 11:23 am

    Wow ! Her favorite quote from her book is so very true in life! Would love to read this .

  • Rachel
    June 18, 2025 at 8:19 am

    Love reading about the behind the scenes process for this book! Definitely adding this to my TBR; the American Revolution & spies are two of my favorite things to read about.

      • Maryann
        June 19, 2025 at 1:01 am

        I enjoy reading historical fiction. What is the most interesting fact you learned while doing your research for this book? My area is also known for the Culper Spy Ring and The Burning of The Hay.

        • Megan Soja
          June 21, 2025 at 7:50 am

          Very cool! The Culper Ring was a big part of my research for this book and definitely influenced my fictional spy ring. It’s tough to pick one most interesting thing I learned, but I was definitely surprised by the fact that the worst fighting of April 19th , 1775 was not at Lexington or Concord but at a town called Menotomy. I had never heard of it before! I made sure to include it in my story.