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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

This Author Strives to Make Scripture Come Alive for Kids

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

If you want spoilers on The Arrow Boy by Erik Steidl, read the Bible! But be sure to take the time to check out his book, too! via @chautonahavig

Determined to keep the youth of his church grounded in the Word during lockdown, author Erik Steidl found a little-remembered character in the Old Testament–Jonathan’s arrow boy.  Retelling that story through the perspective of this character gives kids someone to relate to while infusing the truths of that story into their lives.

Erik Steidl

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

This Author Strives to Make Scripture Come Alive for Kids

When Erik Steidl talked about writing his book, blog post by blog post, to keep the youth of his church in the Word during the distance created by lockdown, I knew I liked him. There’s nothing more important than Biblical literacy, and making Biblical cultures come alive so our young people can understand the context of Scripture is a great way to ensure they learn to appreciate the stories that we sometimes take for granted.

I love that Steidl used an almost unknown character–just someone mentioned in passing– to bring the story of David and Jonathan alive. That is my favorite way to see Biblical fiction. There’s little concern that your understanding of the actual Bible will blend with the story until you can’t differentiate between them.

His other series, the Philippi series, features people who have always fascinated me, and I’m sure he’s at least on chapter twelve by now… right?  *Whistles*

The other thing that impressed me was Erik Steidl’s laser focus on retelling Biblical stories for youth.

Ayal by Erik SteidlAyal the Arrow Boy by Erik Steidl

Ayal the Arrow Boy tells the story of David and Jonathan from a never-before-seen perspective; that of Ayal, a servant in King Saul’s palace.

Ayal finally has his life going in the right direction. After growing up an orphan on the streets of Jerusalem, he finally has a home in the palace and a good job as a runner for Prince Jonathan. Everything changes when he overhears two men planning to kill David, a commander in King Saul’s army and Jonathan’s best friend. Now the race is on to thwart the scheme, save David, and return peace to Israel. Will he be in time?

You can find out more about Erik Steidl 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 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
Chautona Havig
Episode 257: A Chat with Fantasy Author, N. Ford
September 1, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 256: A Chat about Summer in the Spotlight w/ Liz Johnson
August 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
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