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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

How Many Times Can Someone Get Beaten Down Before She Gives Up?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Craig Hastings uses the difficulties of life to show hope and comfort that faith brings when you learn to trust the Lord. via @chautonahavig

Author of Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning, Craig Hastings speaks candidly about the difficulties of life, how God is faithful in the middle of it all, and why he wrote a book about a young woman beaten down by life so much that she’s ready to give up.

The Moose Ridge series looks at difficult issues through the eyes of faithful Christians and an atheist and inspires readers to place their trust where it’s safest–in the Lord’s hands.

craig hastings

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

How Many Times Can Someone Get Beaten Down Before She Gives Up?

When Craig Hastings told me he’d run across Francena Arnold’s Not My Will during a difficult time in his life and shared the profound effect the book had on him, I knew my first impressions of Moose Ridge were spot on.

Craig opens the interview with a solid backstory for his character, Jazmine, that allows readers a quick intro into the opening scene. The synopsis gives you a hint that Jazmine is going to get hit with something hard, but as that opening scene unfolded, every idea that came to me was the wrong one.  I loved that it wasn’t predictable (at least to me, anyway).

Great, realistic characters, a fish-out-of-water story, and an appeal to faith.  What about Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning isn’t to love?

Listeners will want to know that Craig Hastings speaks candidly of a difficult time in his life when he lost his infant son just a few months after birth and how that loss became part of the impetus for this story (although there’s nothing similar about the events).  Craig’s heart for people and the Lord shines through the entire conversation, and in the end you’re left ready to read more.

And this is only the beginning!

Craig has already written two more books and this one just released!  WOOHOO!  I’m eager to read more.  I’m especially eager to read book two and see if I agree with the publisher on things being “preacy.”  I suspect that a candid look at faith is the root of that label, and if so, I disagree. Craig said he has other books planned, so stay tuned for more information about those.

I’m also intrigued by his spy novels. He said some have criticized him for the lack of smut and foul language in them, but all I can say is, “Bring it on!”

Craig Hastings Moose RidgeMoose Ridge: Ending to Beginning by Craig Hastings

All beginnings lead to endings, but some endings bring beginnings.

Attending Harvard was the first positive thing in Jazmine’s life in a long time. While a member of an affluent New York family, her mother died when she was five and her father went to jail when she was twelve. Jazmine lost everything leaving her a ward of the state and becoming a foster child.

Meeting Michael, a medical student was the second positive experience. Now she’s looking forward to the perfect life she dreamed about. Leaving Boston and New York behind, the only cities she’s ever known, she’s on her way to join Michael and start their new life together in Wyoming where he will complete his neurosurgical residency. She’s had a lot of hard blows, but now all her hard work and dedication are going to pay off. The day has arrived for her and Michael to start the beginning of their future life together. Jazmine just knows, for once, everything is going to be exactly how she always dreamed it could be.

Then she’s handed the letter.

You can find out more about Craig Hastings and his books on his WEBSITE.

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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
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Episode 600: A Chat with JPC Allen
November 2, 2026
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Episode 599: A Chat with Frank McKinney
October 31, 2026
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Episode : A Chat with L.J. Long
October 28, 2026
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Episode 597: A Chat with Alison Treat
October 26, 2026
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Episode 596: A Chat with Katheen Rouser
October 24, 2026
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Episode 595: A Chat with Jeremiah Friedli
October 21, 2026
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Episode 594: A Chat with Joy Crain
October 19, 2026
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Episode 593: A Chat with Thomas Goodman
October 17, 2026
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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.
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