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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

How Did One Author Go from Historical Romance to Fast-Paced Suspense?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Expired Hope by Megan Besing is finally here, and if the synopsis delivers what it promises, it may make of my top books of the year. via @chautonahavig

Expired Hope by Megan Besing just released today, and she chatted with me about how she went from writing a historical mail-order bride story to part of Lisa Phillips’ Last Chance County series with Last Chance Fire and Rescue (part of Sunrise Publishing). Listen in to see why I am CRAZY excited to read this book (hint: it’s the synopsis, guys. Killer synopsis!).

Expired Hope Megan Besing

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

How Did One Author Go from Historical Romance to Fast-Paced Suspense?

 

When I learned that Megan Besing had written a historical romance with a mixed-up mail-order bride who thought she was answering a teaching advert, I definitely wanted to read it. But just when I thought there’d be nothing like that going on in Expired Hope, I had to think again. Just reading the synopsis tells you that I was wrong, but know what else does?  Having Megan say she is the “Scooby Doo” of the Last Chance Fire and Rescue authors.

Bring it on!

This book promises everything I love–snappy dialogue, tension galore, and a race to save folks from more than just themselves (but that, too)

And then there’s more coming from her if you enjoy fiction from Annie’s Fiction (it’s not showing up yet, but give it time!).

I said at the end that I should’ve put suspense in my book releasing today… and I did. Just for you, Megan (I know that totally matters to you). Snort.

Expired Hope Megan BesingExpired Hope by Megan Besing

“Peter, you are not at war. Look for Joey in your backseat. Do you see him?” Natalie Atkinson gripped the steering wheel of her Volkswagen Beetle and put on her hazards. If only counselors had emergency lights.

“Stand down.” She spoke loud and clear over the phone connection. “There’s no enemy.”

Not one they could see.

She battled every fire she ever faced.

He’s risking everything for the chance to belong.

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew.

You can learn more about Megan Besing on her WEBSITE.

You can also find the interview with Lisa Phillips about this series HERE.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode : A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
byChautona Havig

Chatting with Suzanne Woods Fisher is always a joy, but something about her National Parks Summers is even more fun to discuss. Listen in and maybe you can tell me why!

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

I love what Suzanne is doing with this series, and Acadia? Yes, please!

Chase the Lightby Suzanne Woods Fisher

She uncovered a piece of history–but can she make peace with her own? When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching. Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust. Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a contemporary romance filled with mystery, treasure hunting, and adventure as a park ranger uncovers a century-old shipwreck and dangerous secrets at Acadia National Park. Perfect for fans of mysteries and love triangles.

You can learn more about Suzanne from her WEBSITE. Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

Get Chase the Light for 40% off with free US shipping until May 5 (30% off after that) from BakerBookHouse.com.

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

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Episode : A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
Episode : A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
April 25, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 534: A Chat with Joanna Davidson Politano
April 20, 2026
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Episode 533: A Chat with Chawna Schroeder
April 18, 2026
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Episode 532: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn
April 13, 2026
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Episode 531: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
April 11, 2026
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Episode 530: A Chat with Erica Colahan
April 6, 2026
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Episode 529: A Chat with Debut Author, Deena Adams
April 4, 2026
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Episode 528: A Chat with Debut Novelist, Chuck Shelton
March 30, 2026
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Episode 527: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
March 28, 2026
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Episode 526: A Chat with Laurie Christine
March 23, 2026
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