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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

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

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?
Next Post: Need a Great Romantic Read to Wind Up Your Summer Reads? »

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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 565: A Chat with Taylor S. Newport
byChautona Havig

Love a fast-paced suspense novel? Listen in as I chat with Taylor Newport about her newest release!

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

Don’t know about you but this series sounds AWESOME.

Overdrive by Taylor S. Newport

The mission looked simple. But the enemy is closer, faster, and deadlier than they imagined.

Tyler Reid needs a break, but trouble finds him first. A call from London pulls him into a missing-person case linked to a powerful surveillance project that’s suddenly worth killing for. The deeper he digs, the more bodies he finds—and the more obvious it becomes that someone wants the entire system for themselves.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova is looking for an escape from Veritek and the weight waiting for her back home. A trip with Tyler should’ve been the break they both needed. But when the case escalates and puts her company in the crosshairs, she goes with him—trying to keep him grounded even as the danger forces him to speed up.

The investigation spirals into a breakneck pursuit, ambushes snapping at their heels as their unknown enemy stays one move ahead. Someone is erasing anyone tied to the project, leaving bodies instead of answers. With the elusive threat closing fast, Tyler and Alex are fighting to get ahead long enough to expose who’s hunting them.

Learn more about Taylor on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Don’t miss the first episode HERE.

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

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Episode 565: A Chat with Taylor S. Newport
Episode 565: A Chat with Taylor S. Newport
August 1, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 564: A Chat with Sheri A. Bradley
July 27, 2026
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Episode 563: A Chat with Stephanie Mack
July 25, 2026
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Bonus Episode: A Chat with Becca Wierwille
July 21, 2026
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Episode 562: A Chat with Laura Thomas
July 20, 2026
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Episode 561: A Chat with Laura Frantz
July 18, 2026
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Episod 560: A Chat witih Melanie Dobson
July 13, 2026
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Episode 559: A Chat with Lisa Phillips
July 11, 2026
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Episode 558: A Chat with Felicia Hurd
July 6, 2026
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Episode 557: A Chat with Laura DeNooyer
July 4, 2026
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He's the world's most recent billionaire. She's ju He's the world's most recent billionaire. She's just glad he lives on the other side of the world. Their "paper marriage" makes both their lives easier. Until he shows up on her... um, that is HIS doorstep, injured and with his net worth significantly reduced. She doesn't trust men. He's sick to death of fawning women. And now they're stranded together in the family mansion alone. Mostly. There is the cat. Zyrtec.
Book two of the Independence Islands: The Book Barrow series, Dual Power of Convenience includes a contemporary marriage of convenience combined with a semi billionaire romance. Available in print, on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited), as well as audio (which is also free on YouTube on Christa DelSorbo's channel). https://amzn.to/3SDXwvd #affiliatelink
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She just wants a chance to film helping restore th She just wants a chance to film helping restore the islands in the wake of a hurricane. He just wants to keep his job when the islanders find out they're going to be on TV. This loathe to love romance includes a found dog, a found family, and a bit of a mystery, too. Book four of the Independence Islands: The Book Barrow series, Flipping Hearts is available in print, on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited), as well as audio (which is also free on YouTube on Christa DelSorbo's channel). https://amzn.to/3R6OcQ6 #Affiliatelink
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Bible Study can be life changing. Just ask Bentley Bible Study can be life changing. Just ask Bentley. Okay, so maybe her conclusions about how we glorify God might be a bit extreme, but no one can argue that it worked out well for her. Proposing to a guy she's not in love with (yet!)? Not easy, but no one said living to the glory of God would be easy, right?
Book one in the Marriages of Conviction series, Blessing Bentley explores one woman's approach to a happy marriage--start with God!
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Tait Stedtmann just wanted a nice quiet life, pref Tait Stedtmann just wanted a nice quiet life, preferably with a wife and a few kids. He didn't plan on an unwanted roommate and a deal to adopt her baby. Life as a single dad of an infant? Rough. He needs help. Actually, some say he needs a wife. If it worked for Bentley...
Tempting Tait: He has convictions about abortion, and now it's time to put his life where his stance on life is.
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Lita's always been curious about the top ad exec i Lita's always been curious about the top ad exec in her office. Curtis keeps himself to himself, wears worn out clothes, and disappears at random times during the day. So when she has a chance to sign him up for the Secret Santa exchange, Lita goes for it. The result? The biggest Christmas surprise of her life. Love. https://amzn.to/44Ob7TH #affiliatelink
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Lita's always been curious about the top ad exec i Lita's always been curious about the top ad exec in her office. Curtis keeps himself to himself, wears worn-out clothes, and disappears at random times during the day. So when she has a chance to sign him up for the Secret Santa exchange, Lita goes for it. The result? The biggest Christmas surprise of her life. Love. https://amzn.to/44Ob7TH #affiliatelink
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