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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

12 Reasons a Novel Is ALWAYS a Novel Christmas Gift

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

A novel is a perfect Christmas gift for the readers (and maybe even the non-readers) in your life. Print books, eBooks, & audiobooks make the perfect gift! via @chautonahavig

Here’s the thing.

I know you don’t want to hear it, but Christmas is only TEN weeks away–and that’s assuming you’re reading this the day it was (re)published!  If you are reading it tomorrow or the next day, well… you know.

But with Christmas inevitably comes the whole topic of gift-giving.  People seem to find gift-giving more and more stressful every year.  I hear statements like, “I don’t have time to shop and gift cards are just boring!”  Others love the idea of gift cards but fear it’ll seem like a cop-out.  So, I thought I’d share my:

12 Reasons a Novel IS ALWAYS a Novel Christmas Gift

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

12 Reasons to Give Books for Christmas

  1. Reading T-Shirt
    Image courtesy and property of Amazon.com

    You’re contributing to the literacy of our society.

  2. They’re cheaper than a vacation but provide a similar “escape.”  My books have the bonus of being “the write escape.”  Snort. 
  3. With Christian Fiction, you can give both an escape and encouragement.
  4. They’re lightweight for shipping, packing in suitcases, or carrying into Grandma’s house with all the other packages (unless you give books to everyone.  Then they have the added benefit of a workout on Christmas/delivery day!)
  5. They aren’t breakable–unless the story breaks the reader’s heart, and won’t break the bank (although they could break your back–see #4)
  6. They are never too big–meaning Aunt Fran doesn’t get miffed because you thought she was bigger than she is. Caution: some books (like Hawthorne’s, for example) are definitely too big.
  7.  They are never too small, which totally disappoints the recipient. However, some end when the reader never wants it to–making it too small but in a good way.
  8. It’s a thoughtful gift.  Does the recipient enjoy Mystery?  Suspense?  Romance?  Historical?  Fantasy?  Series?  Stand alones?   Good news for eclectic authors like me:  I write it all!  WOOT.  I even write for children!
  9. It helps the logging industry!  Let’s keep those loggers employed!  Did you know the United States has more trees now than it did 100 years ago?
  10. They’re easy to wrap!  No more oddly angled boxes!  No, sir.  Just fold a piece of wrapping paper over one edge of the cover, crease the other end, wrap around the book, fold the ends in, and tape.  Voila.  Easy peasy.  And, for the eco-conscious, you can use grocery bags with pretty ribbons instead of regular wrapping paper.  It takes less than an over-packaged whatzzit, too.  That’s right!  No additional packaging to worry about clogging the landfills.
  11. Aggie SeriesThey’re “instant.”  While gift cards are always appreciated, a stack of little cards on Christmas morning gives no immediate pleasure, while a book allows the recipient to curl up in a corner somewhere and enjoy it–no waiting!  Books are always open on Christmas.  😉  Caution:  It might be wise to give the cook his or her bookish gift AFTER Christmas dinner.  😉

    Remember how I said you shouldn’t read my books?  Remember how I also said I am a hypocrite?  I got a few sweet emails assuring me I’m not.  But here I am, proving it!  I tell you not to read them and then I make a post encouraging you to… buy books!  I should repent!  But I won’t.  😉
    Wait… I didn’t say you should READ them, did I?  I said you should give them as gifts.  Is that hypocritical?  Hmm… yeah.  It is.  But at least I didn’t lie when I said you shouldn’t read them, did I?  Hee hee

  12. Because I’ve written dozens of books, and reviewed even more! *shameless self-promotion moment. Sorry*  To check out books that I reviewed this year, here’s a link to my Review Category. To check out the books I have in print, peruse the Books page.  To peruse what’s coming or has just been released, check out the New & Coming page!
North & South by Gaskell
Image courtesy and property of Amazon.com

So here’s the thing (name that TV show).

Books are wonderful, simple, and thoughtful gifts for any reader.  Of course, if you have people who don’t read on your Christmas list… just strike them out!  You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life!

I mean, um… well, then you’ll have to come up with something else, but a lot of non-readers enjoy audiobooks or the movie versions of other well-loved books.

It’s an idea anyway, right?

kindle unlimitedCan’t decide what book to give or have a voracious reader who will have that book devoured before Christmas dinner hits the table?

I’ve got you covered.  If you have a special someone on your list, and you’re prepared to spend a little more on him or her (or you have friends and family who would like to chip in for a great gift, what about a Kindle Unlimited Subscription?

Tons of books available… ten at a time, but unlimited per month!  And if you’re concerned about how this affects authors and your desire to support them (thank you for that!) then please check out this video!

And As I Said, What about AudioBooks for a Christmas gift?

christmas presentsFor your jogger, commuter, taxi-mom, or just someone who likes having a book going at all times, audiobooks are a great gift.  Give a subscription or an individual title.

To learn more about why I LOVE audiobooks and highly recommend them, check out this episode of Because Fiction Podcast.

I have several books on audio:

  • Deepest Roots of the Heart
  • Past Forward (volumes 1 and 2 and others to come soon)
  • The Aggie Series (Ready or Not is available and the others coming)
  • Christmas on Breakers Point  (The Independence Islands series)
  • Dual Power of Convenience (The Independence Islands: coming in a few weeks)

Books or bath salts, Kindle or Keurig, have a fabulous Christmas and I look forward to a great New Year with you in 2021!

If you need a paperback, snag one on sale while you can HERE.

*Note: This post was originally published in October of 2014 and I’ve updated it for today!

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Comments

  1. Leah Spencer says

    October 16, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    Oh! Oh! Oh! I hope you run that Past Forward special again!! I so badly wanted to buy all 6 paperback books last year, but an unemployed husband held me back. This year, he’s employed!!!!!! I love Willow. 🙂 I miss Willow. I want more Willow! Please? 😀

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
byChautona Havig

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to help with whatever the family was doing, so Great Aunt Tissy gave you a stack of napkins and told you to put one at each plate? Remember how she commented on what a  “big girl” you were?  And then, as if that weren’t bad enough… remember how you were fourteen and a “big girl” was the last thing you wanted to be? 

RM Ruiz’ The Chosen Kids Saga does just the opposite. She has a cast of related characters who are given real work by God–important work. They’re pulling on the armor of God and doing real battle with real enemies of the Kingdom of God and all while He works out their sanctification. Listen in to where she got the idea and where the Chosen Kids are going next.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you!

What if God Decided to Use Ordinary Kids to Battle the Underworld?

Can I just say that I love the respect Rosemary shows her characters? These kids, as young as eleven, aren’t told to fold napkins and praised as if they saved the world. They’re given tools and assignments and do save the world… or at least a piece of it and with the real help of the Holy Spirit. How cool is that?

And she does it with a tortilla in one hand and some eye and mouth-watering chili stuffs in the other.

Oh… and don’t forget the research for Encounter at Paradise that sent her up a literal slippery slope into frozen tundra. In July. #BecauseResearch.

And the result is book two of the Chosen Kids Saga! (To listen to the first episode where we talked more about the first book, go HERE.)

The Chosen Kids: Encounter at Paradise by RM Ruiz

A thrilling adventure for middle-grade readers, showcasing the supernatural powers of God, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.This is the second book of The Chosen Kids Saga.The Chosen Kids are ready for their second mission!

It’s been two weeks since Caiden and his family’s summer of fun turned into a secret quest for God. After their first mission, the Chosen Kids step into their new roles without fear or reluctance. With revived faith and God’s blessed tools, they embark on their second hunt—ready to track, capture, and expel the enemy.

But the day turns into a tedious game of hide-and-seek as the family races to get ahead of the fiend. When the unthinkable happens, and their mission becomes personal, they must keep the faith and trust God’s plan. They could set things right with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but only if they obey His commands completely. Caiden thinks he’s uncovered the answer, but no one ever listens to the youngest cousin…

With nightfall quickly approaching, the Chosen Kids set a trap.

But if their plan fails, they could lose one of their most valuable assets, and their quest will end in heartbreak and disaster.

In this next chapter of the Chosen Kids Saga, readers will see the cousins in action as they take on their new roles with renewed spirits. Just like the first book, this fast-paced adventure includes family love, kid banter, and humor with even more adventure, danger, and spiritual growth!

This series mixes fantasy and adventure elements with transparent Christian themes for young believers who want a story that includes gospel truths without reading through symbolism.

Middle-grade readers will follow along as these flawed, relatable characters—still finding their way in Christ—embark on a life-transforming quest to save humanity. With family love, spiritual growth, kid banter, and humor all mixed in for a fun and exciting journey.

The adventure starts with Encounter at the Dunes and continues in Encounter at Paradise. Grab a copy of both to begin the redemptive journey today! Book three, Encounter At Ambrose, coming summer 2024.

Learn more about the series, the characters, and Rosemary at TheChosenKids.com

And the series she mentioned was The Son of Angels.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
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  • Spotify
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  • and more!

 

Episode 234: A Chat about The Chosen Kids with RM Ruiz
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