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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Happens When You Mix Fascinating History & Mystery? Great Books!

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

If you love historical mysteries set in England, The Harwood Mysteries by Antony Barone Kolenc might be exactly what you're looking for. via @chautonahavig

Everyone knows I love a good mystery, so when I discovered that Antony Barone Kolenc had written a youth adventure and mystery series, the Harwood Mysteries, I knew I had to learn more about them.

In this episode, we chat about his inspiration for the 12th-century series, the themes of the books, and the many (MANY) awards they’ve won!

Antony Barone Kolenc

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

What Happens When You Mix Fascinating History & Mystery? Great Books!

When I discovered that Antony Barone Kolenc wrote mysteries and what they were about, I knew this would be a great episode. Antony writes about 12th century England in what he calls “Harry Potter meets Brother Cadfael” but without the magic. There are supernatural-feeling elements that he describes as Scooby Do-esque.  All the appearance of the inexplicable… right up until the story explains them.

Full of history, adventure, friendship, and faith, the Harwood Mysteries have everything I love about mystery. No, I haven’t read them yet, but thanks to a generous publisher in Loyola, I have an entire set sitting here just taunting me to put them next on my reading list.

The first book is also sitting on my Audible account, just waiting for me to listen. The narrator… wonderful so far. It opens with a bang, and I love the writing style.  Oh, and speaking of audio… it’s that time when families start taking long car trips. What a great way to pass the time, listening to a good mystery.

So far, Antony has three books available, but the fourth is coming out soon!  I’m so excited about this because he says he has as many as nine in his head.  NINE! SQUEE!

Something about the series reminds me of my Wynnewood series.

CAVEAT:  I have not read these books yet, but I have listened to some of the audio. The opening of the book describes a bandit raid which includes fire, a mace-wielding bandit and his victim, etc. I wouldn’t play this for younger children without listening first to be certain it fits your family’s comfort levels.

Antony Barone Kolenc also has a podcast!

For families looking for uplifting content, Antony does some of the legwork for you on Shepherd’s Pie. As the website says, “The Shepherd’s Pie is an uplifting, ecumenical show that airs weekly on radio and podcast channels. With engaging conversations and fun entertainment reviews, we offer positive insights and media resources for families and youth leaders, while we discuss issues that impact young people at home, in school, and in the world today.”

Shadow in the Dark Antony Barone KolencShadow in the Dark by Antony Barone Kolenc

An attack by bandits in the middle of the night leaves a young boy with no memory of who he is or where he is from. Nursed back to health by the devoted monks in a Benedictine abbey, he takes the name Alexander, or Xan for short. Aided by the kindly Brother Andrew, Xan commits himself to finding out who he really is.

Does he have a family? Are they still alive?

And who–or what–is the shadowy figure creeping around the abbey in the dead of night?

Illumination Book Awards, Gold Medal: Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction (2021)
 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, Gold Medal: Young Adult Fiction – Mystery (2020)
International Book Awards, 1st Place: Religious Fiction (2021)
Independent Publisher Book Awards, Bronze Medal: Religious Fiction (2021)
Catholic Media Association Book Awards, 3rd Place: Escapism (2021)
ACP Excellence in Publishing Awards, 3rd Place: Young Readers (2021)

You can find out more about Antony Barone Kolenc on his WEBSITE and more about the Harwood Mysteries (and the short stories he’s written about Lucy) at the Harwood Mysteries WEBSITE.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
byChautona Havig

Nothing says fairy tale like a sweet western romance by an author like Karen Witemeyer… unless it’s a fairytale retelling set in Texas in the late 19th century, right?  Fairest of Heart takes the familiar “Snow White” and turns it on its head with retired cowboys, a self-absorbed actress, a Texas Ranger, and a sweet girl who knows the true Source of her beauty.  Listen in to see all the genius Easter eggs Witemeyer planted in this book.

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

Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart

I fell in love with the cover of Karen Witemeyer’s Head Over Heels a few years back (only to learn it’s much older than that, even), and meant to read that book.  I didn’t.  #BecauseIdiot. Well, that’ll be rectified just as soon as I’m done listening to her first book in a trilogy of fairytale retellings. I loaded it up on my Audible app tonight and wheeeeeeee. Here I go! So much for no new books until October. HA! 

Karen talks about her heart for young women today and how they’re taught by every bit of media blasting at them that they need to use their bodies to get what they need or want when the Lord has a better plan. And I can’t guarantee it, but I strongly suspect she does it without preaching. SQUEE!

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

You can learn more about Karen Witemeyer and her books on her WEBSITE. Don’t forget the book is 30% off on BakerBookHouse.com.  

Follow Karen on BookBub and GoodReads.

And don’t forget her Posse Group on Facebook.

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

  • Apple 
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  • Google Play
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  • and more!
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
September 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 264: A Chat with Romance Author, Sarah Monzon
September 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
September 23, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 262: Chatting about The Legacy of Longdale Manor with Carrie Turansky
September 19, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 261: Chatting with Christian Youth Fiction Author, Candice Yamnitz
September 15, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 260: A Chat with Rachel Hauck
September 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 259: A Chat with Debut Author, Laura Conaway
September 8, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 258: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember
September 2, 2023
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Episode 257: A Chat with Fantasy Author, N. Ford
September 1, 2023
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Episode 256: A Chat about Summer in the Spotlight w/ Liz Johnson
August 29, 2023
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