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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Does My Dream Island Vacation Have to Do with a New Book?

by Chautona Havig · 3 Comments

Reclaiming Hope released yesterday, and oh, this story has so much to offer. More than just an opposites attract., it's a glimpse at hope. via @chautonahavig

“If you could visit any island in the world, which one would it be?”

I’ve had people ask me this question before. I don’t know how to answer it, frankly. Why Fiji and not Hawaii?  Why Nantucket and not Prince Edward Island?  For that matter, why Guernsey instead of Catalina?

I’ve had a dream of taking a two-week cruise to Hawaii. I figured it would be the best way to have a full cruise experience AND see the Hawaiian islands. I could make a whole book about it.  And it would be awesome.

But if someone said, “Here’s ten thousand dollars.  Go to an island for a week or two,” I can’t even begin to choose which one I’d… well, choose!

So, I’m asking you guys to choose for me.  This is what I’d want for sure.

  • A nice place to stay. Doesn’t have to be glamorous, just clean, comfortable, and with clean water. #becauseImADesertRat
  • Fun history to explore
  • Good food that is safe to eat (please no third-world places… I’m not interested in that for a “dream vacation.”
  • Not desert (I don’t need to travel to see desert, so something different.
  • Not ONLY touristy (I’m not a big “attractions” kind of gal. I like to wander, spend time alone, observe, etc. I don’t want a “nightlife” or a bunch of tour stuff. Just a chance to explore another world.

So, where am I going? And better yet…

Reclaiming Hope release

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

What Does My Dream Island Vacation Have to Do with a New Book?

Well, Carolyn Miller’s latest book in the Independence Islands Series released yesterday, and for her release, she asked us to tell her our dream island vacation.  And well… um… I don’t know, hence shamelessly using you to help me!

I think this book is my favorite of hers in the series… but only just. She has some fabulous books in here!

Reclaiming HopeReclaiming Hope by Carolyn Miller

Opposites attract—and repel. But which is more powerful?

Callie Steele might be a bit…focused on work, but despite what her employers say, she enjoys her well-ordered, productive life.

When she’s sent to meet the owners of an estate requiring post-hurricane landscaping, Callie meets their son, Kai Brody, a super-chilled pro surfer, who is as opposite from her as they come. Though initially smitten, Callie knows a relationship with Kai is a bad idea—a very bad idea.

Kai, however, can’t help but be intrigued by someone who challenges him to make something of his life again. He’s determined to pursue her, if she’ll give him half a chance.

The more time they spend together, negotiating the challenges of work, illness, and family, the more their opposing outlooks clash and connect. What do these unlikely friends really want from life? Is it best to focus on work or recreation?

As Kai and Callie seek answers from the Lord, they also must consider if such complete opposites have enough in common to make a relationship last.

Reclaiming Hope concludes the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Don’t forget to read the other authors’ posts about their dream island escapes and enter their giveaways.

Carolyn Miller (Dec. 7th)
Chautona Havig (Dec. 8th) 
Melissa Wardwell (Dec 9th )
Kari Trumbo (Dec. 10th)
Rachel Skatvold (Dec. 11th)
Tabitha Bouldin (Dec. 12th)
Sandy Barela–Publisher (Dec. 13th)

And get your entry in here!

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Comments

  1. Kathleen Garley says

    December 8, 2021 at 5:25 pm

    Oahu,Hawaii. I went Abita more than 2 years ago to see my grandson and his family. Beautiful!!! So much to see. Went to a great luau and wet to the Arizona and WWII sites.

    Reply
  2. AVA says

    December 8, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. We went to three islands: Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. We enjoyed each one for what they were, but Kauai was probably the most relaxing and typical of what you think Hawaii is like. The best thing we did was take a helicopter ride over the islands — Big Island and Kauai. Totally worth it and would do it 1,000 times over. Visiting Pearl Harbor was sobering but I also wouldn’t have missed that. We also did a submarine ride which Robert wanted to do, but I could’ve skipped it — and not because that’s where I threw up on my new husband! (I’ll tell you the story some other time.). The Dole Plantation was fun, especially the maze. The Audobon trail thing was great, too. Just driving around and viewing everything was fun. Oddly enough, we never got in the ocean water, just a swimming pool at one of the places we stayed. Visiting various markets was fun and eating out.

    Reply
  3. Deb Jones says

    December 8, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    Since New Zealand is made up of Islands, I would suggest it. It is also a country so you are getting several benefit. I have never been there but would love to go. There are so many things to see & it definitely fits your requirements. I want to go to Hawaii too, but if I look at your requirement list there is very little about Hawaii that isn’t touristy. NZ has tourists but it isn’t their main point of income.

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 536: A Chat with Samantha Roman
byChautona Havig

YA fiction with a young woman’s dreams, family secrets, and tough decisions? Sign me up. Listen in and see why Wildflowers might just be exactly what Christian YA needs

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

I loved that Samantha focused on how easy it is to see things as God’s will when convenience comes into play.

Wildflowers by Samantha Roman

The show might not go on for Candy—and maybe not even her relationship with Scott.

Just when her band is finally gaining traction, Candy is about to lose her spot. Then a devastating fire destroys the Chancellor Homes building, turning Honeybrook upside down and tearing open wounds she thought had healed.

As a buried family secret rises from the ashes, Candy stands at a crossroads: walk away from her music to save the people she loves… or keep chasing the dream that once felt God-given. When an unexpected “wildflower” appears in her path, she begins to wonder if God still blesses broken roads—and whether they still lead to the cross.

For fans of Christian YA fiction, faith-based coming-of-age stories, and clean teen romance with a strong spiritual core, Candy’s journey in Wildflowers is a heartfelt look at what it means to follow God when everything is falling apart.

Dead men tell no tales… or do they?

Leslie’s past comes roaring back when a thirty-year-old mistake resurfaces, ending her fragile peace. A teenage accident she can’t undo collides with a present-day crisis no mother could ignore. And when she meets Chris, a man who brings unexpected light into her dark season, she must choose between protecting him… or risking everything to love again.

As mother and daughter face the secrets, sins, and second chances that refuse to stay buried, they’ll discover that even in the wreckage, wildflowers still grow.

Wildflowers is Book Two in the Honeybrook High series, a small-town Christian young adult saga that began with Butterflies, a novel about grief, hope, and redemption. This second installment deepens Candy and Leslie’s story with more family drama, stronger faith themes, and a reminder that God can redeem even the worst mistakes.

  • Christian YA novel with dual POV (teen daughter and mom)
  • Clean teen fiction
  • Perfect for readers who love small-town Christian fiction
  • Explores grief, forgiveness, family secrets, and second chances
  • Ideal for Christian teens, moms, youth groups, and book clubs

If you enjoy emotional Christian YA series with real-life struggles and hopeful, faith-filled endings, you’ll love returning to Honeybrook in Wildflowers.

Learn more on Samantha’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

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Episode 536: A Chat with Samantha Roman
Episode 536: A Chat with Samantha Roman
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