This episode is a little different than the usual. Author Erica Colahan joins Teresa to share the fascinating true story behind her historical fiction novel, The Oystercatcher of Southwark — a tale rooted in family legend, an ancestor committed to a 19th-century insane asylum, and the discovery that generational silence can leave lasting wounds. Erica opens up about the real archives, the real heartbreak, and how writing Mary's story helped her find her own identity and healing after divorce.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Mentioned on this episode:
Book Club Discussion Questions (go to this page and scroll about halfway down).

We Discuss:

• The family legend Erica grew up hearing — and why no one talked about it

• How her great-great-grandmother Mary was committed to a 19th-century asylum

• Finding Mary’s name in a dusty ledger in the Philadelphia archives

• The real history behind the novel: the mafia, immigrant life, and star-crossed lovers

• Fact vs. fiction in the book

• How writing the story reunited two branches of a family separated for generations

• Erica’s personal healing from divorce — and what Mary’s story taught her about identity

Win a free copy of The Oystercatcher of Southwark! Head to Apple Podcasts, leave Beauty in the Brokenness a five-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and review, screenshot it, and email it to me at teresa@teresawhiting.com. I'll enter you in a drawing to win a copy sent right to your door! Drawing will be held, and winner announced on June 9, 2026.

More about Erica:
Erica lives in the Philadelphia region with her large family. She relies on copious amounts of coffee and the grace of God to keep up with her busy offspring while working full-time and pursuing her hobbies. A numbers gal working in the accounting department, Erica fills every free moment with reading and creative writing. 

The Oystercatcher of Southwark is her debut novel. You can find stories of humor and hope on her blog, The Chronicles of Erica. Erica loves to knit, walk in the woods, kayak on the lake, and listen to her children say "Mom" repeatedly.

Connect with Erica:
Website:  https://ericacolahan.com/
Instagram: @thechroniclesoferica
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.colahan/
Blog: https://thechroniclesoferica.substack.com/

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Music: Home (Inspirational And Uplifting Acoustic Guitar) by Daniel Carrizalez
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