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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Take a Guess: Did We Skip Our Wedding to Avoid Complete Disaster?

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

Even without bridezillas and mom-zillas, wedding disasters are more common than folks like to think and not just in fiction. via @chautonahavig

What major part of your wedding could have been a disaster if the Lord hadn’t intervened?

That was the question given to the Independence Islands Authors (by me, no less). Guess that means I have to answer it, too.  And well, really, I’d answer… the whole thing.

Picture it. I was eighteen and had attended one wedding in my life and stood up as a bridesmaid in the world’s shortest ceremony for my brother’s.  I new ZERO, nada, nuttin’ about weddings. And well, that annoyed… people. Trying to be somewhat discreet here, but here’s the deal.

Every single thing about our wedding, aside from me sticking up for how I insisted the flowers be arranged (finally) was either dictated, countermanded, or manipulated by… someone.  Just a note, our parents were not involved and were not the problem. By the time the rehearsal came… we were done. Especially when one member of the bridal party went off on me. Lied to Kevin and terrified him.  I remember asking him if we should just leave early.

I’m still surprised he didn’t say yes.

But Mrs. Hopping, one of my favorite ladies at church, pulled me aside, encouraged me, and then went off to tell our disruptor what was what. When it started again, she took care of it. And she let our hosts know so that I would be protected from further stuff when we left the church for the night.

It all started again when we arrived at our hosts’ house and… they put a stop to it, but I was done. See, we were already married. We didn’t need this stupid wedding.  It wasn’t worth the strain on us or everyone around us.  Why endure this nonsense?

That’s when we made the decision.

wedding

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Take a Guess: Did We Skip Our Wedding to Avoid Complete Disaster?

People had been so good to us, helping, volunteering, praying, loving. Friends had joined us to create a special day. Family and friends had driven miles and miles to see us. Mrs. Hopping had gone to battle for me. We wouldn’t disrespect those gifts to avoid unpleasantness–no matter how much we really wanted to.

And we really wanted to.

Aside from running out of punch–twice, no less–it was a lovely wedding.  Well and also aside from the fact that I’d lost so much weight in the weeks leading up to the wedding (jaw wired shut) that I could stand in my dress, turn, and the dress would stay where it had been.  *blush*  The photographer kept saying, “Get back in your dress.”  So embarrassing. Hee hee!

So why are the Independence Islands authors talking about wedding fiascoes?

Well… today’s the DAY!  WOOHOO!  Today my final book in the Independence Islands Series, Book, Chapter, & Vows, releases!  It’s time for Mallory and Benjamin’s story.  And it should have been smooth sailing, too. But this happened, and that happened.  Then the other happened, and to find out those happenings, you’ve got to read the book.  Here’s a spoiler for you, though.  Something goes terribly wrong a week before the wedding.  And God, as He did with me, fixes it. Because that’s what our good God does.

Book, Chapter & VowsBook Chapter, & Vows

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.
So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

This Breakers Head novel is Chautona Havig’s final book in 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.

NOTE!:  You can preorder/release order the paperback at 30% off with FREE shipping from Celebrate Lit Publishing. Just scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and fill out the form!

Watch out for my giveaways in my Facebook group and on Instagram!

And follow the other authors to learn about their wedding disasters and for chances to win prizes during this release week fun.

Chautona Havig: Today!
Melissa Wardwell: July 27
Kari Trumbo: July 28
Rachel Skatvold: July 29
Tabitha Bouldin: July 30
Carolyn Miller: July 31
Sandra Barela: August 1
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Previous Post: « What’s Better Than a Great Women’s Fiction Novel on a Summer’s Day?
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Comments

  1. Kari Trumbo says

    July 26, 2022 at 5:38 am

    Oof, weddings are stressful enough. Some people just need to take a seat. Happy release day, my friend!

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 545: A Chat with Gina Holder
byChautona Havig

Getting to chat with Gina Holder was a blessing because that meant I could finally read her books! Listen in as we chat about her newest release, The Escape Game.

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

Spoiler alert: This series is definitely on my FAVORITE series this year list. You don’t want to miss it!

The Escape Game by Gina Holder

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. They’re players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister—but also closer to a killer who has spent years perfecting a game no one survives. With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape. In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal. Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb? Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

Learn more on Gina’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 545: A Chat with Gina Holder
Episode 545: A Chat with Gina Holder
May 25, 2026
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Episode 544: A Chat with Nicholas Teeguarden
May 23, 2026
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Episode 543: A Chat with Stephanie Cardel
May 19, 2026
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Episode 542: A Chat with Megan Schaulis
May 16, 2026
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Episode 541: A Chat with Demi Griffin
May 11, 2026
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Episodd 540: A Chat with Dana Mentink
May 9, 2026
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Episode 539: A Chat with Jane Kirkpatrick
May 4, 2026
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Episode 538: A Chat with Elizabeth Goddard
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Episode 537: A Chat with Meg Calvin
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Episode 536: A Chat with Samantha Roman
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Ever notice how you best know yourself--and know y Ever notice how you best know yourself--and know yourself the least?  We humans are weird that way. Sometimes I think the Lord allows us to be blind to parts of ourselves for a time so as not to drive us too crazy too quickly. Or something.
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