About Crystal Caudill
Crystal Caudill writes faith-filled historical romance set in the Gilded Age, blending suspense, mystery, romance, and authentic local history. Her novels explore courage, redemption, and the power of faith amid danger and intrigue. Through thoroughly researched settings and compelling storylines, she brings the past to life for readers who enjoy historical romance with suspense and heart.
What You’ll Find in My Books
When you pick up a book by Crystal Caudill, you can expect God-honoring romances that are clean, sweet, and closed-door; history that is thoroughly researched and as accurate as possible; suspense and mystery that keep you turning the page and worried for the characters; and faith-centered themes where characters realistically struggle with their faith in a manner that is not preachy.
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Quick Facts:
Author Name: Crystal Caudill
Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Romantic Suspense, Historical Mystery
Primary Setting: Cincinnati, Ohio
Time Period: Gilded Age
Themes: Faith, Redemption, Courage, Justice
Audience: Adult Readers, Christian Fiction Readers, Historical Romance Readers, Historical Mystery Readers
Content Notes: Clean romance, Christian Themes, Historical Research
Crystal’s Series
The Art of Love and Danger
In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, four friends talented in the arts must stand together against corruption, secrets, and greed or risk losing each other.
Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age
Can four Secret Service operatives catch the counterfeiters without losing their hearts?
Fun Facts
Pets: Corky – Chihuahua mix (super old and toothless), Harold – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (spoiled rotten and snores really loud)
Favorite Job: Mucking stables at the Kentucky Horse Park in middle school, where I met my sweet Romeo, an old strawberry roan who never stepped on my toes.
Hobbies: board games with the family, traveling in our RV, and high tea
Movies: North and South (BBC), Argyle (just stupid and fun), Mulan (both versions), Pride and Prejudice (BBC)
T.V. Shows: Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Miss Scarlet, Castle
Drinks: hot looseleaf tea (without any florals), Ale-8-One (a local fav), Stewarts Orange Cream Soda, Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer
Food/Snack: dark Chocolate, eggplant parmigiana, strawberry-rhubarb pie, shrimp and grits
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I write?
I’ve written stories for as long as I can remember. Not for publication, mind you. I never intended to become a published author. I wrote purely for myself. I needed to escape and process the world around me. If the characters I read and wrote 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 stories of hope through danger.
However, God was not content to allow that passion to remain secret. Suffice it to say, I now write to encourage other Christians in their faith, even as I personally continue to process the hard realities of a broken world.
Why do I write Christian Fiction?
I didn’t grow up as a Christian, and my parents didn’t supervise what I read. Since I was an avid reader, I’d read everything in the children’s and teens’ departments by the time I’d reached middle school. This led me to read books from the adult section, and often the ones I picked up would be labeled as smut today. I most often found books by browsing my library shelves, and one day I happened to stumble across When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke. During book two, When Comes the Spring, I came across a scene where Elizabeth and Wynn have an argument during their honeymoon. It was the first time I’d ever seen a healthy marriage and argument. It literally changed my view on relationships and what I wanted in life.
Why do I write in the Gilded Age?
I am a history nerd. I love the complexities of the era, the juxtaposition of the uber-rich and working poor, and the emergence of the middle class. Technology development was at an all-time high, and there are so many historical, social, political, and personal issues that I can play with. It really is such a rich era that I feel is under-explored. I have a notebook with nearly a dozen series ideas, all based on research just for the Gilded Age.
Bonus fact: The Gilded Age is purely American, but there are many things that overlap with the Victorian era of England, so you’ll often hear the terms interchanged. However, they are NOT the same thing.
Why are so many stories set in Cincinnati?
While I grew up in Central Kentucky, I married a Northern Kentucky boy, so I joined him in living twenty minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Since I’m such a history nerd, I decided the best way to get to know my new home was to use it as a setting for a story. Cincinnati is a fascinating place with a rich and interesting history. I feel like I can probably write stories set here for a long time. Honestly, it’s a bit of a blessing as caregiving for my MIL makes traveling for research difficult.
What is the story of God “calling” you to write for publication?
As a former teacher, I’m a lifelong learner at heart. My 30th birthday was coming up and I’d seen advertisements for a writing conference not too far from us, but I didn’t say anything to my husband. He traveled a lot, and as a stay-at-home mom and caregiver to my mother-in-law, I didn’t feel I should invest that kind of money into a hobby. However, God showed my husband those same ads and, unbeknownst to me, signed me up as my present. I was excited to improve my writing, but I never had any intention beyond personal gratification. God’s plan ended up being slightly bigger. I still find it funny that the conference started on my actual birthday that year.
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. The very first person I met told me to sign up for American Christian Fiction Writers, then she introduced me to a publisher who honestly intimidated me. When I said I only wrote stories for myself, he challenged me with the concept that God had given me these stories for a purpose and keeping them to myself was going against His plan for me. Then all the classes except publishing topics were canceled. I did not jump up and down in excitement for this call. Like every good little Christian (hear the sarcasm in my voice) I fought God for six months before submitting and joining ACFW and beginning the journey of learning to write for publication.
The journey hasn’t been easy, and it took seven years before my first book was published, but God has blessed me in ways I cannot adequately express.
