• 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
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Why Are Avid Suspense Readers Looking Forward to Summer Heat?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Summer Heat is a twelve book series released in three box sets for a limited time. Listen in to learn all about it! via @chautonahavig

Twelve authors, twelve novels, one sizzlin’ summer! What’s not to love?

I don’t know about you, but usually, when someone says they’re turnin’ up the heat this summer, I picture someone who needs a nice padded room somewhere. This time, however… I’m all in. Literally. I mean, Lisa Phillips sent an email asking if I wanted to be a part of a twelve-author, three-box set series, and it was a no-brainer for me! With authors like Lisa, Sara Blackard, Liz Bradford, Cara Putman, Kari Trumbo, Jennifer Pierce, Katy Lee, Michelle Aleckson, Lynn Shannon, Rebecca Hemlock, and Emilie Haney, how could the series not be a heap of fun? Listen in to learn what to expect and to find out about fun giveaways coming your way!

Summer heat

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

Why Are Avid Suspense Readers Looking Forward to Summer Heat?

Because Summer Heat offers a summer full of fast-paced stories that’ll keep you fanning the pages of that book to find out what happens next! (read with the AC on maybe…)

Many of our authors have set their books in the worlds that their readers are already familiar with. Lisa Phillips has hers in her Bedford County series. Mine is the prequel to The Agency Files, and so forth. So… if you don’t know anything about an author or their series/world… well, you’ve got an inexpensive way to find out. Not only that, but these books aren’t snacks. They’re full-length (although shorter) novels that will both leave you satisfied and ready for more at the same time!

The Summer Heat Series:

summer heat

summer heat stay with meStay with Me

Abandoned – Liz Bradford

Police officer Zara Grant is new to Hazel Hill, and despite her attempts to keep people at arms-length, she’s connected with the strong and steady, Officer Will Cooper. But how long will he stay around? Everyone else in her life leaves, why not him? Especially when her past creeps up on her in the form of a previous arrestee coming to town and making threats. Can she trust Will to stick around? And how serious are those threats?

Will Cooper always dreamed of becoming a detective. Not that he’ll admit that to anyone, especially Zara. Not when he’s content enough being a uniformed officer instead. Why take the risk of failure? But when Zara finds out he’s abandoned his dream, her own fears of abandonment rise up between them. Is this something they can overcome or will fear—and outside threats—destroy what they have?

As the threats turn into a break-in at Zara’s house while she’s gone, she’s left to wonder what the invader will do if he comes back? Can she trust Will to help protect her, or will he abandon her to face this alone?

Ascending Hope – Sara Blackard

Emmy’s thirst for adventure takes her to new heights in Ascending Hope, a heart-stopping romantic suspense by Sara Blackard. As a product tester for a top mountaineering equipment company, Emmy’s latest test is a perilous climb up a dangerous Alaskan mountain with her enigmatic boss, Bradley. As they face the sizzling heat and treacherous conditions, their attraction ignites, but the mountain has other plans. Will their love survive the deadly journey, or will their pasts come back to haunt them? Find out in this thrilling page-turner that’s sure to leave you breathless.

Runaway – Jennifer Pierce

Ryan McGregor is on the run from a deadly family and hiding out in a small town thanks to extended family he’s never met. Bethany Wilkinson always comes second but now she’s number one on a hit list. Bethany will have to risk it all on a runaway and her faith in the plan God has for her if she’s going to stay alive. And if Ryan can do the same, it might be the one shot he has to finally be free.

Rodeo Sabotage – Kari Trumbo

Jase Wheaton has one thing on his mind, a perfect 8-second ride—until someone in the crowd sends his bull into a fury. Twice. No one believes his life is in danger except the EMT who saved him. The clock is ticking before his final ride of the season, but will it be the last of his life? Everyone’s a suspect when the threat could come from anyone in the crowd. Even his best friend might be his worst enemy.

Summer Heat: Through Every DangerThrough Every Danger

Undertow – Lisa Phillips

Selena is ready to retire from her career as a social media stunt star. After a disastrous breakup, one last job—on a cruise—will give her the cash to take charge of her future. Peter wants to make full operative at Vanguard Security. After breaking the law in his teens he needs to succeed at the straight and narrow, and that means keeping his personal feelings for Selena under wraps. When a dangerous foreign general and more than one spy prove they have other plans for both Selena and Peter, they have to band together to stay alive. Or they’ll be sucked beneath the undertow.

Swept Away – Michelle Aleckson

California science teacher and ocean lover, Malani Davis, is only stepping in for another surf instructor. However, she’s not sure this Minnesota deputy, Lukas Berglund, has what it takes to catch waves. Who shows up to the beach in cowboy boots?

But when Luke saves her life, she realizes he’s more than capable and accepts his help in her search for her foster sister. Besides, he won’t be sticking around, so maybe she can keep guard over her heart, and they’ll find the missing teen quickly.

Instead, it will take the help of their friends and a whole lot of grit to face their worst fears and survive as they’re swept away in a wave of danger.

Fractured Memories – Lynn Shannon

As a teen, Texas Ranger Felicity Capshaw witnessed a murder. The traumatic incident—and the accompanying amnesia—has affected her entire life. She reopens the cold case, but the investigation is cut short when she’s assaulted and nearly killed.

Detective Noah Hodge is no stranger to loss. He’s buried his parents and his wife. All he wants is to raise his daughter and keep his hometown safe. When the killer targets Felicity, Noah commits to protecting her, even though each second in her presence makes him question why he’s locked away his battered heart.

As Felicity’s memories return, the threats escalate. Can Noah help her uncover the truth? Or will the killer silence her forever?

Lethal Inheritance – Rebecca Hemlock

K-9 Officer Kelly Blithe is on the job when she discovers her brother Scott has been murdered. With her other brother Chris named as the chief suspect, Kelly is forced to trust a man she barely knows to solve the case.

Detective Harry Miller’s life was changed forever when a suspect attack left him scarred. After another murder case lands on his desk, he’ll have to convince Kelly that her living brother really did commit this murder.

Neither wants the attraction that quickly overrides their growing friendship. When they discover a massive inheritance is involved, they’ll have to finish the work of a dead man to find out who killed Scott.

summer heat; Come what mayCome What May

Serial Heat – Emilie Haney

Former cop turned Private Investigator, Clancy Sullivan, is on the case to find yet another missing girl. After his last investigation ended badly, he’s determined this time will be different.

Dispatcher and aspiring forensic artist Willa Martin won’t give up the hope that her friend Anna will be found—alive. All clues point to the fact that she’s run off, leaving Willa and her newfound faith behind, but Willa knows better.

Following a lead in the drought-ridden wilderness of Washington State, Clancy stumbles upon a dead body unconnected to his case. Little does he know that when his 911 call connects to Willa, a chain of events is set into motion that will draw them toward one another but also toward a killer.

Thrown together in a race against the clock, Clancy and Willa battle through wildfires and misdirection as they chase a killer through the heat of summer.

Art of Deception – Cara Putman

Eight years ago she ran to safety. Now Charlotte Montgomery’s past has caught up with her.

Artist Charlotte Montgomery lost everything eight years ago to protect her son. She’s built a safe life to protect him, and now her past has caught up with her

She’ll do anything to bring down her ex.

When an Italian crime family reappears in her life determined to make her participate in their money-laundering scheme, she’s determined to end it even if it means pretending she’s a willing participant. When Charlotte’s past and present collide, it threatens everything she’s built and it’s a race to survive.

Real Justice – Katy Lee

Her days of hiding are over.

A ransom note left in her apartment tells Christina Depalo that changing her name and hiding in the big city hadn’t been enough to escape her dangerous family. The Morans have kidnapped her roommate, demanding Christina return to Georgia. But that will mean facing the cutthroat attorney Marcus Cartwright, a man she once loved but who only wanted to take down her family.

Marcus had started a coalition with his friend to crack down on organized crime in Savannah. But when his friend loses his life in a supposed accident, nothing will stop Marcus from seeking justice, not even the Moran’s prodigal daughter who left town twelve years ago. Nobody will derail him this time.
But then Christina never was a nobody.

Induction – Chautona Havig

Someone wants her dead. Not happening on his watch.

When Ramon Simon goes missing, the small town of Fairbury burns with rumors hotter than the sidewalk in July. They’re certain he’s either left his wife, or she killed him (not that they’d blame her). As the weeks pass and the police fail to find answers, things heat up more when Anna Simon disappears, too. If that’s not strange enough, the chief of police orders his officers to leave Anna out of their investigation.

As a new recruit into a secret protection service known only as The Agency to the few who know it exists, Keith Auger doesn’t know what he’s doing, but he’s determined to do his new job well. But when he finds himself guarding a woman before he’s fully trained, he already begins to doubt the wisdom of this career path.

Pressure mounts as Keith tries to stay one step ahead of the men out to kill Anna and another step ahead of Anna who is determined to find answers no one will give her.

Keith can’t help but wonder: will his first assignment with The Agency be his last?

Where’s the best place to find more information about Summer Heat?

You can learn more about the series on the Amazon page OR… by checking out any of the authors’ social media. We’re sharing it like crazy these days!

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Share
Pin
Post
Email
Share
Pin
Post
Email

Filed Under: Because Fiction Podcast

Previous Post: « What if God Decided to Use Ordinary Kids to Battle the Underworld?
Next Post: Just What Does God Have to Do With Her Love Life, Anyway? »

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 602: A Chat with Paul Headworth
byChautona Havig

Christians are fond of saying that Christ has already defeated Satan, but sometimes, it sure doesn’t seem like it. Listen in as I chat with Paul Headworth about his novel exploring this in his book, Prophetic Redemption.

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

Headworth focuses on the difficulties of cases and what happens when things go wrong. By the time we got done talking, I knew I’d have to read it.

Prophetic Redemption by Paul Headworth

This special novel is geared for the believer and nonbeliever, providing an engaging murder mystery while sowing many positive and possibly life-changing messages.

A judge from the 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Publishing Book Award cited, “The masterful use of suspense is key to maintaining reader engagement and greatly enhances the story’s captivating appeal. Additionally, the rich character motivations and development, especially evident in Charlie’s relentless pursuit of justice for his wife and son, alongside Paul’s transformative journey, render these characters both believable and relatable. Moreover, this book defies the stereotype that inspirational works lack depth. Instead of burdening readers with recipes, it proves that such books can be emotionally resonant and deeply thought-provoking.”

Learn more on Paul’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • YouTube
  • and more!
Episode 602: A Chat with Paul Headworth
Episode 602: A Chat with Paul Headworth
November 9, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 601: A Chat with Glenn Patrick O’Turner
November 7, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 600: A Chat with JPC Allen
November 2, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 599: A Chat with Frank McKinney
October 31, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode : A Chat with L.J. Long
October 28, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 597: A Chat with Alison Treat
October 26, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 596: A Chat with Katheen Rouser
October 24, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 595: A Chat with Jeremiah Friedli
October 21, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 594: A Chat with Joy Crain
October 19, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 593: A Chat with Thomas Goodman
October 17, 2026
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Dying to Read

Dying to Read

Take Cover

Take Cover

CrossWords

CrossWords

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
When Mom makes pepper jack bread and you butter an When Mom makes pepper jack bread and you butter and fry it. Yum.
With 45,000 words "on the page," it’s time to cele With 45,000 words "on the page," it’s time to celebrate with Box #3! 🎁☕

I am officially halfway through writing my upcoming historical Christmas novel, Dear Uncle Nick! Writing this story—which centers around a cozy, small-town advice column in a 1934 farming community—has been such an encouragement even to me!
To keep my momentum going so this book is ready for you by Black Friday, I’m treating myself to a little joy: opening a beautiful @ArcherandOlive Advent Box "gift" every time I complete 5,000 words. 45K means Box 3 is officially MINE! But now how to use this amazing journal? HELP!
Because this book releases on Black Friday without a preorder, I’d love for you to follow along here so you don’t miss the release day announcement. Your prayers and encouragement mean so much to me (and to Eddie Morten--I'm sure of it!)
#DearUncleNick #HistoricalFiction #ChristianFiction #ChristmasNovels #InspirationalFiction #AmWriting #CozyReads #BlackFridayRelease #HistoricalChristmas #AuthorLife #ArcherAndOlive
Dear Uncle Nick, Our town has a lot of people in n Dear Uncle Nick,
Our town has a lot of people in need—no mistake about that.
We can’t meet them all, but we can do what we can to help.
Everyone loves a good box social, but that can be expensive, especially this time of year.
I propose a “dessert social.” We apply the same premise, but the boxes only hold enough dessert for two. Penny bids can be augmented by work or other goods. Folks can even buy the “augments.”
What do you think?
Hungry for cinnamon rolls!

Ever heard of a box social? 📦✨ In 1934, during the height of the Great Depression, communities had to get creative to help neighbors in need.
This "unprinted letter" from the archives of my upcoming historical Christmas novel, Dear Uncle Nick, shows the exact heartbeat of a small farming town trying to survive winter with a little sweetness and a lot of grit.
✍️ The Question: If you were bidding on a dessert box for two tonight... what dessert would you hope is inside? Let me know in the comments!
#HistoricalFiction #AuthorLife #DearUncleNick #FountainPen #1930s #ChristmasNovel #ChristFic #HistoricalRomance #BookReels
Awesome movie. Don't remember a single foul word, Awesome movie. Don't remember a single foul word,  despite rough subjects and scenes. Well done.
#jimmymovie
Writing with white gel ink on kraft paper just hit Writing with white gel ink on kraft paper just hits different. 🖊️🤎
I’m currently sitting at 42k+ words for Dear Uncle Nick, plotting a storyline that is giving me all the feels.
Meet our Banker dude. He can handle the town's finances under the pressure of the Great Depression, but put him in a social setting and he completely freezes up. He is incredibly shy. But winter is coming, and he's being pressured into a marriage of convenience to save his late friend's daughter from the freezing 1934 streets. ❄️💍
Despite his quiet, protective pining and our main couple's semi-secret admirer flirting through the newspaper columns, this book is more than just romance. It's a huge found family of cast that I'm loving.
Only a few thousand words left until the 45k milestone and Box #3! Let’s go! ⌨️✨
#archerandolive #writinggoals #historicalromance #blackfridayrelease #writingprocess #cozyvibes #stationery
From the unpublished archives of "Ask Uncle Nick". From the unpublished archives of "Ask Uncle Nick"...
Dear Uncle Nick,
Do you remember last year when the water main burst and flooded the picnic grounds near the town square? Everyone had so much fun skating on it once it froze over.
Why can't we do that again, but deliberately this time?
I enjoyed watching the little ones learning to skate and knowing there was something wholesome for the young folks to do on their "dates."
How can we make this happen again, (without costly pipe repairs)?

Be sure to leave your answers for "Hopeful" and stay tuned. I got to open another box today!
A Hopeful Citizen
#DearUncleNick
#ChristFic
#HistoricalFiction #ChristianFiction #ChristmasBooks #Bookstagram #WritingCommunity #BookLaunch #CozyReads #ItsAWonderfulLife
FREE through November 3, (and it takes place mostl FREE through November 3, (and it takes place mostly in autumn!)

October 1939. They fled Vienna looking for sanctuary.
They found a trap.
Following the Anschluss, Austria is no longer recognizable.
For its Jewish citizens, survival means listening to the whispers—whispers of a
hidden chalet where a courageous woman keeps hunted children safe, fed, and far
from Nazi hands. Driven by desperation, parents face an agonizing choice: part
with their children forever, or risk their lives by keeping them close.
Hans Hartmann arrives at Chalet Versteck with a hardened
heart and a terrified little girl in tow. He found young Grete abandoned at a
train station and couldn't leave her behind. But the chalet is far from the
haven they were promised.
The air here is thick with secrets. Children vanish in the
dead of night. And before Hans can uncover the truth, a high-ranking Nazi
officer is murdered right inside their sanctuary.
With the Gestapo closing in, the chalet becomes a pressure
cooker of suspicion. To save Grete and escape with his own life, Hans must
untangle a web of deadly lies. In a place where trust is a liability, Hans will
have to find a glimmer of faith to guide them out of the darkness—before the
killer strikes again.
https://link.amazon/B04ONq0y4 #AffiliateLink#ChristFic
#HistoricalMystery
#FairytaleRetelling
#HanselAndGretel
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!