Season 10, Episode 5 - Loretta Ellsworth

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful talks with Loretta Ellsworth about her novel, The Jilted Countess. Inspired by a true story, the book follows a Hungarian countess who, after World War II, travels to Minnesota to marry a soldier—only to discover he has wed someone else. Facing deportation, she becomes the subject of a newspaper appeal and receives nearly 1,800 marriage proposals. Ellsworth discusses her research, the blend of fact and fiction, and the resilience of her unforgettable heroine. History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative. Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.