• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
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!

Share67
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Personal

Previous Post: « Learning the Ropes
Next Post: The Super-Secret Confessions of a Vulneraphobe »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
byChautona Havig

Fans of Lisa Phillips’ Last Chance County series are doing happy dances following the release of an exciting new spin-off series, Last Chance Fire and Rescue. Expired Return brings back a few favorite characters and kicks off another of Sunrise Publishing’s author/mentor led fiction seasons! Listen in to find out what happens when an author brings back a guy she dropped a building on a couple of books back…

 

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

When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver!

Let’s face it. Authors might SOMETIMES be “done” with a series, but readers often want more… indefinitely. Well, with the brilliance of Sunrise Publishing’s mentor model, authors get to collaborate with authors they trust to do their “worlds” proud while still having time to write new, exciting things as well. And some of the Sunrise lead authors even write in the spin-off series–like Lisa Phillips and Trisha Goyer!

This new Last Chance County series promises everything we love about Lisa Phillips’ world–danger, intrigue, heart-stopping suspense, drama… you know… all the feels. But in addition to her own release, Expired Return, this series also introduces us to new authors who have been carefully vetted and selected to ensure they do justice to Lisa’s Last Chance characters. I, for one, can’t wait to check it all out.

Lisa and I chatted about what she plans for the series,Lisa hinted about a possible super-secret reveal coming soon, and I even poked her with the idea of a Last Chance Christmas.

Help me convince them on that, will ya?

But this new book… Whoa…

Expired Return by Lisa Phillips

Pepper stood up. “How dare you.” She could spit fire at him right now. She’d loved and supported Victory since the day she was born. “You know nothing about me.”

“What’s this?”

Pepper whirled around at that voice. Heart. Breaking. She loved that gruff, commanding voice more than anything else in the world.

He wore a look a lot like Aiden’s. Blank, which she knew—or hoped—had to do with protecting his heart because he still cared for her. Except he probably hated her.

Donaldson sat back in his chair. “Allen.”

Former police officer Allen Frees had both hands on the wheels of his chair. He wore a fire department uniform of slacks and a white shirt. Emblems. A badge. His life of service hadn’t ended when he landed in that chair after a building blew up over his head.

As far as she’d been able to tell, it barely slowed him down.

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

Last Chance Fire and Rescue

  • Book 1: Expired Return
  • Book 2: Expired Hope (coming soon)
  • Book 3: Expired Promise (coming soon)
  • Book 4: Expired Vows (coming soon)

Last Chance County

  • Book 1: Expired Refuge
  • Book 2: Expired Secrets
  • Book 3: Expired Cache
  • Book 4: Expired Hero
  • Book 5: Expired Game
  • Book 6: Expired Plot
  • Book 7: Expired Getaway
  • Book 8: Expired Betrayal
  • Book 9: Expired Flight
  • Book 10: Expired End

Learn more about Lisa and her books on her WEBSITE.

Learn more about the different seasons (series) offered by Sunrise Publishing or how to audition with them on the Sunrise Publishing WEBSITE.

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
BONUS Episode: The Bookish Podcast Tag!
February 4, 2023
Chautona
Episode 205: A Chat about Cold Light of Day with Elizabeth Goddard
February 3, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
January 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
January 27, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 202: A Chat with Historical Christian Author, Laura Frantz
January 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 200: Comparing & Contrasting Two Split-Time Novels
January 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 199: A Chat about Karl May with Robert Stermscheg
January 13, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 198: A Chat about Everything Is Just Beginning with Erin Bartels
January 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Join a Reading Challenge

2022 Write Reading Challenge

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

  • When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver! (February 7, 2023)

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • My (not so) Brilliant Answers to the Cool Bookish Podcast Tag
  • Are You Eager for This Thrilling, Suspenseful New Series?
  • How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is Reposted from @courtneywalsh MY PHONY VALENTINE is officially available in e-book, paperback and in #kindleunlimited ♥️♥️

Treat yourself to this swoony, sweet romance! 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.

My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Link in bio 

 #amreading #readersofinstagram #readersofig #igreads #holidaybooks #newbooks #kindleunlimitedromance #kindleunlimited #readersgonnaread #bookstagram #booknerdigans #booknerd #holidaybooks #newbooks #sweetromance #bookworm #bookshelf #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #amwriting #amwritingromance
Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice Reposted from @steampunk_tales Death stalks Alice at every turn, but will he catch up to her?
 #fantasyreads #fantasy #bookstagram #books #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookworm #book #bookaddict #reading #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookcommunity #booklove #bookaholic #bookrecommendations #instabook #bookobsessed #instabooks #bookaesthetic #booklovers #readmorebooks #readingtime #bookishlove #booksofig #fantasybooks
Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomCom
#InspiredByATrueStory
Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADO Reposted from @katherinereay My next novel A SHADOW IN MOSCOW will be available on June 13, 2023!! I can’t wait for you to meet Cold War spies, Anya Kadinova and Ingrid Bauer. You can pre-order your copy today!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
#authorsofinstagram #authorlife #authorsofig #authorsofinsta #authors #writersofinsta #writersofinstagram #writerlife #writersofig #readersofinstagram #booklovers #booklove #readersofinsta #readersofig #stories #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstragramreels #bookstagramreel #booktok #books #bookreels #booksofig #storytime #newrelease
Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first da Heath Karras has a problem. Lots of eager first dates... no second dates. With his propensity to spout random (and often bizarre) animal facts while nervous (he's always nervous around women) it's no wonder. 
His sister has a solution--lots of dates. Great, heaping gobs of them. Go ahead. Be awkward. Get used to it. Then... then try with someone you really want to get to know. He's not so confident, but when a man gives his word... (Note to self: no more agreeing to Selby's plans without knowing what they are!)
Find out what happens in Random Acts (or is it Facts?) of Shyness.

This book just got a fresh makeover, thanks to the genius of @PlethoraCreative & @PerryElizabeth.
There's a link to how to find it in my bio.
#ChristFic
#ChristianRomCom
#InspiredByATrueStory
Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Ligh Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor The Sound of Light is now available from @revellfiction , and it received a starred review from Booklist!

In WWII Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt assumes the identity of a common shipyard worker, rowing messages to Sweden for the Resistance. His life depends on keeping his secret hidden--a task that proves challenging when he meets Else Jensen, an American physicist who seems to see right through him.

Read more and find purchase links in the Linktree in my bio!
.
.
#thesoundoflight #thesoundoflightbook #wwiifiction #wwiinovel #histfic #historicalfiction
Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠ ⁠ Reposted from @celebratelit ONE MORE WEEK! ⁠
⁠
One more week until the release of Promise of Purity by Marguerite Martin Gray! Preorder now for 30% off plus free shipping or the ebook copy for only $2.99. Bonus gift with either! ⁠
⁠
Click on the publishing page in the linktree in our bio then the 30% off in the menu! ⁠
⁠
⁠
#celebratelit #christianfiction #bookstagram #bookloversofinstagram #readersofinstagram #christian #fiction #books #christianbooks #christianbookstagram #faith #christianhistoricalromance #historicalromance #historical #romance #laboroflove #gardensintime #margueritemartingray #promiseofpurity
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!