• 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

3 Important Things You’ll Find in My Favorite Books

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

The scent of books mingled with coffee lures you in through the doors. You wander down past the array of clearance items, gift bags, goofy book-themed gifts, and hit the discount racks. Bestsellers. Science Fiction. Mystery.

After wandering through the rows of beautiful “repurposed trees” for a while, a cover grabs your attention. A quick perusal invites you to turn it over, and the synopsis clinches the deal. With just a peek at the opening paragraph, you’re sold.

Dozens of other titles beg you to pick them, too, but perhaps… just this once, you’ve decided to be frugal. It could happen. Maybe.

Since grandma has the kids—or perhaps as grandma, for once this week you don’t, with a hot cup of tea (or maybe a Coke) in hand, off you go to your favorite corner and crack open the cover.

Two hours later, the clock demands you begin dinner. You reconsider the wisdom of the evening meal. Perhaps the spiritual discipline of fasting—that might be good.

Pizza! They’ll bring it to the door, cooked and ready to eat. There’s a bag of salad greens that you forgot to take to the church potluck. If you order pizza and eat that, those greens won’t go to waste! You’re saving food! How thoughtful of you.

And an hour after you should have gone to bed, the cover closes and you stare out into space, happy—and just a bit book drunk.

3 important things you'll find in my favorite books

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

Just what makes me “book drunk”?

3 important things you’ll find in my favorite books

Humor—

Snow AngelsSeriously. If the humor isn’t there, it’ll probably never make my favorites list. I love dry humor, plays on words, comedies of error—if it’s funny, I want it in there. You’ll find more about that in THIS POST about what makes me laugh.

I’m still on a humor high from Pepper Basham’s Just the Way You Are (review HERE). Seriously, loved the humor in that book. Cathe Swanson’s Snow Angels had me cracking up through the whole thing. And if you’ve not read her babysitter scene in Baggage Claim, you’ve really missed out. Phoebe can babysit for me ANY day.

P.G. Wodehouse is sure to make me laugh—as is Elizabeth Peters in the Amelia Peabody books. And Dorothy Gilman’s, “Mrs. Pollifax”… Can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten weird looks on the treadmill from cracking up while listening to the audio versions.

A dash (or a quart!) of mystery—

I don’t think every book needs to be a traditional mystery. That said, I do think there needs to be an element of mystery in every book. Who really stole the cookies from Aggie’s cookie jar? Was it Ian, or did William get peckish on his rounds in the middle of the night and forget to leave a note confessing? Finding out the latter after trying to suss out the real culprit—fun! And it gets the old noggin’ cranking. I like to crank the shaft of that thing now and then so the battery doesn’t drain dry.

Of course, mysteries themselves should have a mystery. Duh. I want more than just “whodunnit” in those. That’s why authors like Rene Gutteridge and Gayle Roper have always been favorites. They did a fabulous job of making me care about the people in their books instead of just the mystery. It’s why Julianna Deering’s mysteries are so great—they have solid cases to solve while still giving you characters to follow through the series.

The reverse is true, though. 

Love's Gentle ShoreRelational books that show someone overcoming a problem in his life or a historical novel about something that happened in ages past—those always have a little more punch if there’s a hint of a mystery. It can be minor like you find in Siri Mitchell’s The Cubicle Next Door. I mean, you know who the blog commenter is. You know it. But there’s that hint of doubt until she knows that adds that bit of mystery. And Liz Johnson does a fabulous job of interjecting tiny mysterious questions into her Prince Island Dreams series.

It can be as little as “Why would a man do a seven-year work to redeem property” agreement like I did in Deepest Roots of the Heart to big questions like, “Why doesn’t my mom like my girlfriend?” in Robin Lee Hatcher’s, The Forgiving Hour.

And finally… Redemption—

I don’t expect perfect characters who only show us how to get through this life by their perfect superiority. In fact, THIS POST outlines why I don’t really like those at all. But I also don’t like it when an author makes me care about a character, has the character blow it, and there is no consequence or repentance for the character. I don’t want moralistic stories that have an occasional use in children’s literature. Aesop, after all, was pretty amazing. But if you’ve led me to care about and become invested in your character, I really don’t want to walk away from that book feeling like I got let down.

We’re humans. We blow it. Fictional characters are modeled after God’s real ones. When someone blows it, we need to see the effects on his or her life and the lives of those all around. If he hardens his heart, we need to see it—and grieve for him. But we don’t need to see some person, time after time, leaving carnage in her wake and there being no redemption for her or for those around—it’ll leave me hollow. If there’s an “I’m sorry” that feels perfunctory, it won’t cut it for me. I tried to show these ideas in Not a Word and Christmas Embers.

I want to see transformation—for someone.

Drew Farthering SeriesIn fact, I need it. I crave it. It’s a hard, horrible book in many ways, but Jerry Jenkins’ Though None Go With Me is one of the most redemptive books I’ve read. Wow. Just wow.

And my favorite books? Well, they have all three. Aaaah… I suddenly feel like a good read. I think maybe it’s time for the second in the Drew Farthering Mysteries. After all, the FIRST was amazing, and I have no doubt that book SIX (coming out in November) will be as well!

 

Share136
Pin
Tweet
Email
140Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
140Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews, General Information, Personal

Previous Post: « The Hidden Blessings in Losing Your Memory
Next Post: The Unexpected Blessing of Unlikely Mentors »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

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!