Mother of the Year, by Cheryl Esper Balcom

Mother of the Year, by Cheryl Esper Balcom

Author: Sky High Podcast Network September 13, 2026 Duration: 14:29

Today, Roberta talks to Cheryl Esper Balcom about her new book Mother of the Year.

Lindy Thomas has built her life on holding everything together: her family, her faith, and her role as a devoted mother. But when her husband dies unexpectedly, the life she carefully managed begins to unravel.

Determined to show up for her son, Lindy sets out alone on a cross-country road trip from Michigan to Seattle. What begins as a journey of love quickly becomes something far more complicated. A mysterious note left behind by her husband raises questions she’s afraid to ask. Her daughter is facing a private grief of her own. And somewhere between the endless highways and quiet hotel rooms, Lindy comes face to face with the limits of her control. Haunted by the past and desperate to hold her family together, Lindy is forced to confront what she’s spent a lifetime avoiding: she was never meant to carry it all.

In a story marked by loss and moments of unexpected beauty, Mother of the Year explores what happens when control slips away and how God, in his grace, meets us there.

Discover the latest Christian books and meet the authors behind them on Author's Corner, where Roberta Foster explores new releases in faith-based publishing. Whether you're seeking Christian novels, inspirational reads, or in-depth book reviews, this podcast is your guide to the newest titles in the Christian literary world.

Brought to you by Roberta Foster, KNEO Radio and the Sky High Podcast Network.


Ever wonder about the story behind the book sitting on a church library shelf or featured in a magazine? Author's Corner: Interviews about the Latest Christian Books pulls up a chair for those conversations. Host Roberta Foster, from KNEO Radio in Neosho, Missouri, brings a warm and thoughtful perspective to each discussion, moving beyond simple summaries to explore the personal journeys and convictions that drive today's Christian writers. This podcast offers a quiet space to hear authors discuss their craft, their faith, and the sometimes surprising paths that led them to publish. You'll listen to genuine dialogue about new works spanning theology, personal spirituality, fiction, and practical living-all through the lens of a vibrant faith. It feels less like a formal interview and more like overhearing a compelling chat between people who care deeply about ideas and storytelling. Produced by the Sky High Podcast Network, each episode is a concise visit into the heart of what motivates contemporary Christian voices, providing listeners with a richer understanding of the books shaping conversations in communities and churches. For anyone curious about the people behind the pages, this series connects the reader to the writer.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Author's Corner: Interviews about the Latest Christian Books
Podcast Episodes
Seeking Refuge, by Stephan Bauman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:39
Today, Roberta talks to Stephan Bauman about his new book Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugees Crisis, available from Moody Publishers.What will rule our hearts: fear or compassion?We can’t ignore the ref…
Lessons Learned at the Speed of Sound, by Phillip Cochran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:38
Today, Roberta talks to Phillip Cochran about his new book Lessons Learned at the Speed of Sound: A Fighter Pilot’s Lessons on Faith, Discipline, and Trust.What can the cockpit of an F-16 teach us about following Christ?…
Sung in the Shadows, by Crystal Claudill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:20
Today, Roberta talks to Crystal Claudill about her new book Sung in the Shadows, available from Kregel publishers.When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future? In nineteenth-century C…
Out of the Ashes, by Peter Ash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:50
Today, Roberta talks to Peter Ash about his new book Out of the Ashes. Learn more about his ministry here: https://www.underthesamesun.com/Out of the Ashes is a true story of survival, faith, and an unseen human-rights c…
You Can Do This, by Sam Eaton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:43
Today, Roberta talks to Sam Eaton about his new book You Can Do This: Daily Affirmations to Live Recklessly Alive, available from Zondervan publishers.You can live a full and purposeful life—one that is wildly, wonderful…
REVIEW: Bethany House fiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:35
In this review episode, Roberta Foster reviews the latest fiction books available from Bethany House publishers.Brought to you by Roberta Foster, KNEO Radio and the Sky High Podcast Network.
Witness Protection, by Robert Whitlow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:16
Today, Roberta talks to Robert Whitlow about his new book Witness Protection, available from Thomas Nelson publishers.Jon Tremaine has lived in hiding for years--will coming out of the shadows to help a friend be too gre…
His Word: A Compilation of Spoken Wisdom, by Michael Hyatt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:42
Today, Roberta talks to Michael Hyatt about his new book His Word: A Compilation of Spoken Wisdom.A compilation containing many of Jesus Christ’s most notable statements and teachings.Discover the latest Christian books…
Praying in Pain, by Glenna Marshall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
Today, Roberta talks to Glenna Marshall about her new book Praying in Pain: How to Know You're Heard When You Haven't Been Healed, available from Moody publishers.Prayer is how we survive the grip of crushing pain.Someti…
REVIEW: Christian Non-Fiction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:15
An Author's Corner Review episode about some of the latest non-fiction Christian books available. Brought to you by Roberta Foster, KNEO Radio and the Sky High Podcast Network.