• 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
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

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

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What I Absolutely Love about Darlene (& in her own words!)

by Chautona Havig · 3 Comments

“Oh, I’d better go set up the classroom.”

A voice answers. “Oh, Joe did it.”

Later, someone mentions needing to order the case of New Testaments. The reply comes again, “Oh, I think Joe took care of that last week.”

You don’t always see Joes, but you always feel the effects.  The coffee going when you arrive, the litter picked up before you can return from walking sweet Miss Mary to her car, the encouraging note when no one knew you needed one. Yeah.   That person.

My launch team has one of those–one of those “Get the job done” gals. 

Darlene involves herself, but she’s always a little on the periphery… as if she’s more comfortable that way.  Maybe it’s a misconception of mine, but I try not to push her too much.

Still… Darlene is always right there.  Need a post shared?  She’s got it.  Time to review the book?  She’s on it. And I so appreciate her for it!

What I Absolutely Love about Darlene (& in her own words!)

Note:  links in this post are likely affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Meet Darlene!

I’m going to let her do a lot of the talking for herself, so here goes!

I don’t know how you do all you do, Chautona! I’m so thankful the Lord has given me my health back and that I am able to be involved more in my family with my grandkids and with my church. I’m so thankful the Lord let me find you and that you accepted me into the advanced readers group.  It came at a very low point of my health and helped me tremendously to focus on something other than my bad health.

One thing that helped Darlene over her health problems was when she found Plexus.

About Plexus, Darlene says:

These natural supplements that help to balance blood sugars, lipids and heal the gut have changed my life after 11 years struggling with two autoimmunes. I now have a wonderful life again with renewed vigor and excitement.

Sounds to me like there’s no reason not to give Plexus a shot if you have struggled with similar issues. You can find her site HERE.

Darlene says:

I don’t even know how to describe my life now. I’m so involved in church matters that my mom said I had become the Pastor’s wife…lol. our Pastor’s wife is such a blessing to us all but she has had leukemia for 46 years and isn’t able to do what she used to do.

I teach the Ladies Bible Study and most of them are much older than me, but I love them all so much! I love to sing and am involved in the choir and do many specials. I also take care of all the social media for our church.”

I misread her words up there at first. I thought her mom said she’d become the pastor’s wife’s wife. And really, that’s sort of what happened, no?

But she also has other loves… sounds like six of them to be exact.

I love being a grandma…they call me “Mimi.” I have 5 boys and 1 girl. I love spending time with them and being involved in their lives.

Darlene also had a few things to say about books and reading:

Reading is my passion!! Has been since I can remember. Growing up on the mission field I read any and all books anyone had. When I came back to the states as a teenager and went to the library I was in awe!! Now I feel that way about my Kindle, because it can hold so many books, I will never run out, and I can take them all with me everywhere I go!!”

Anyone else dying to know what country she was in on the mission field?  *raises hands*

As to which of my books introduced us, Darlene said:

I actually read the None so Blind book first, but didn’t realize it was your book until I had read Past Forward. 

*insert total guilt here since it’s now been just shy of four years since None So Blind and here we are celebrating the release of Will Not See.*

And I think she’s my favorite now.

When I asked which one she’s looking forward to most, Darlene gave this rather brilliant and flattering answer:

I’m looking forward to each and every book you finish! Thanks for all you do and keep those books coming!

Yep… those are just a few things I absolutely love about Darlene… and she did the hard work for me! Like I said, she’s a “get the job done” kind of gal. Thanks!  Psst… I told them they could send me a picture of them with a bag on their heads if they wanted.  Well, since Darlene didn’t send a picture, I went with the bag lady look.  I think she totally rocks it!

And you know, now that I think of it, she’s a quieter version of Alicia... always working, always there, always engaged… but quiet.

Next up:  Ruby!

Share157
Pin
Tweet
Email
158Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
158Shares

Related

Filed Under: Guest Post, Interviews, New Release

Previous Post: « What Happens When Someone Will Not See?
Next Post: 3 Unexpected Lessons You’ll Love in Will Not See »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Lucinda says

    August 30, 2017 at 5:19 am

    For sure would love to hear about life on the mission field. Chautona gave just enough information to whet the appetite…she is really good at tossing out teasers and making me want to know the rest of the story!

    Reply
    • Cathe Swanson says

      August 30, 2017 at 6:08 pm

      Darlene is amazing! <3

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        August 30, 2017 at 6:13 pm

        Right?

        Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
byChautona Havig

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t new to rom-coms, and her first book in the Sweetheart Series promises to be a literary riot, and it lives up to that promise. I’m only halfway through it and am thinking mean, ugly thoughts of everything keeping me from being able to escape into the crazy small-town politics and quirky characters. So far the com far outweighs the rom, which makes me thrilled to bits. Listen in to discover what makes Lone Star Sweetheart so much fun.

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

Why Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?

Well, I think we can safely blame Shakespeare for that. Shannon Sue Dunlap has taken inspiration from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in her Katherine, but unlike Katerina, Dunlap’s character is actually trying to learn to tame the tongue. Maybe someone should send her over to the book of James. There’s that whole bit about not being able to tame it, being an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

Kate’s isn’t that bad, but not for lack of trying. Or something.

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t joking when she says that her Katherine is a “loveable” shrew. Seriously, I love this character. She’s forthright, no-nonsense, and “what you see is what you get” in her approach to life. I respect that. Add to that her boss who has shaken up the town of Sweetheart, Texas, and you’ve got the makings of a great story. I’m loving Lone Star Sweetheart.

But this isn’t all Dunlap has written.

Under the pseudonym, Shannon Kent, you can find her sweet and clean romances (including one Christian romance) inspired by Korean dramas. If you said I’d be not only chomping to read a sweet and clean romance about Korean tour guides and all that entails but also ready to watch a Korean drama on Netflix… Okay, I might not have laughed in your face, but I’d’ve been laughing on the inside.

Best part… one of them ties into her Sweetheart Series

Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

You can find out more about Shannon Sue Dunlap AND get that first novella in the Korean Crush series free on her WEBSITE.

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!

 

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
May 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 230: A Chat with Bryan Timothy Mitchell
May 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 229: A Chat about Murmur in the Mud Caves with Kathleen Denly
May 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 228: A Chat with Author Emilie Haney
May 9, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 227: A Chat about the New Jewels of Kalispell Series
May 5, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 226: A Chat with Archaeological Thriller Author, Doug Powell
May 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 225: A Chat with Dani Pettrey
April 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 224: A Chat with Author Megan Besing
April 25, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 223: A Chat with Tosca Lee about A Long March Home
April 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 222: A Chat with Regina Rudd Merrick
April 18, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Why Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?
  • What Made This Author Use Hell as Inspiration for His Novel?
  • Rumor Has It, Murmur in the Mud Caves Promises to Be Excellent!

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
This book by @chantelreadsallday 's daughter is de This book by @chantelreadsallday 's daughter is delightful. The writing style is both whimsical and mature,  direct and nuanced. Probably the easiest 5-star rating I've ever given ( to be fair,  it's a really short book). Oh! That was another great thing.  The TEEN author also tells a complete story in few words and with subtle (and not-so-subtle) sarcasm. Laughed aloud. 
I'll add a link on my bio link.
#MiddleGradeBooks
#YoungAuthors
#AmReading
Reposted from @lianaygeorge Authors love getting r Reposted from @lianaygeorge Authors love getting reviews! This one particularly warmed my heart because Erin emailed directly and had such lovely things to say.…
Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Welcome to Red Wing, Minnesota. Home of Hanisch's Bakery, Mandy's Cafe, the Uffda Shop, and Pepie the Lake Monster (who knew?)

Oh, and home to Twice Sold Tales, a charming bookstore in a charming town--but not for long.  Unless Milton arrives with his trusty parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch!), this local gem of a store may soon be out of print--so to speak.

Some might blame owner Harper Brevig. Let's face it. Her "bookside manner" isn't much to write home about (although I did write a book about it...). But no, she's making enough money, and she's not spending too much money (much to her disgust), so where's it going?

Find out in Twice Sold Tales while I write and send Atticus and Milton down to Berne, Indiana to help Cezanne with he new and dying bookstore. 

Links to more info in my bio!

#TheMosaicCollection
#Bookstrings
#TwiceSoldTales
#ChristFic
#BookishBooks
My next book in the Suamalie Islands series is on My next book in the Suamalie Islands series is on tour with @celebratelit .

Ezra has started her business, is elbow-deep in wedding prep for her father, and gets roped into helping an old friend fight off the eligible females of Lafoina. 
And frankly, she's tired of it all--except the fighting off females thing. The women can just back off. Henri is hers... not that she'd admit that. Yet.
A combination second-chance romance and fake relationship (but not) surrounded with tropical breezes, sandy beaches, and ocean waves lapping against the side of a floating bookstore--perfect for this summer's TBR!
Just check out the link in my bio for a list of blogs and my panic momentwith how the romance wouldactuallywork!
Available on KindleUnlimited
#SuamalieIslands
#ChristianRomance
#ChristFic
#PreorderSpecial
Guys, this book!!! Loving! Reposted from @shannon Guys, this book!!! Loving!

Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap I had a blast with Chautona on the Because Fiction podcast. (Link to the episode in the bio.)
Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga <title>“The Kin Reposted from @thechosenkidssaga <title>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’… | Instagram</title>
Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap Lone Star Sweethea Reposted from @shannonsuedunlap Lone Star Sweetheart has launched! (Link in bio.)
#happybookbirthday #cfauthors #romcom #launchparty
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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