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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Forgotten WWII Events Will Captivate You in These Inspiring Books

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Beloved author, Lynn Austin, has a large backlist of excellent books, but I think I'm most excited about her latest, Long Way Home. via @chautonahavig

It’s always a good day when you pick up a new Lynn Austin book and lose yourself in one of her amazing stories. That said, I panicked when I discovered that the book I thought was her latest was actually TWO books back!  EEEP!  So, find out what prompted Lynn Austin to delve into WWII fiction, about her latest release, and about the war in general. Bonus: there’s a hint about what’s coming, too! Listen in.

Lynn Austin

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

Forgotten WWII Events Will Captivate You in These Inspiring Books

Back in the dark ages, otherwise known as my early homeschooling years, you know… the late ’90s and early ’00s, I read everything that Lynn Austin put out.  Then life happened. Writing happened, and when I got back to reading again, I was so far behind on authors that I didn’t pick up her newest books. I had all these other authors to check out.

Stupid me.

Seriously, guys. What was I thinking?

Because Lynn Austin is still writing powerful Christian fiction with depth, historical importance, and faith lived on the page. And we don’t want to miss out on that.  Her three most recent books are all WWII-inspired novels including: If I Were You, Chasing Shadows, and Long Way Home.

Learn about Lynn’s research, her focus on how faith helps people do incredible things, and on how we must stay grounded in the Word if we can hope to stand fast in our faith.

:ong way home lynn austinLong Way Home by Lynn Austin

In this gripping portrait of war and its aftermath from bestselling author Lynn Austin, a young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won’t discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Peggy Serrano couldn’t wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is much different from the Jimmy who left, changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. When he attempts the unthinkable, his parents check him into the VA hospital. Peggy determines to help the Barnetts unravel what might have happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy’s war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy’s belongings.

Seven years earlier, sensing the rising tide against her people, Gisela Wolff and her family flee Germany aboard the passenger ship St. Louis, bound for Havana, Cuba. Gisela meets Sam Shapiro on board and the two fall quickly in love. But the ship is denied safe harbor and sent back to Europe. Thus begins Gisela’s perilous journey of exile and survival, made possible only by the kindness and courage of a series of strangers she meets along the way, including one man who will change the course of her life.

Learn more about Lynn and her books on her WEBSITE.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
byChautona Havig

 I fell in love with Nancy’s writing with The Shell Collector. Imagine my joy when I discovered she has a SEQUEL! Eeep! Listen in and discover which characters you’ll find in To Light the Way Forward and what’s coming next for one of America’s favorite authors!

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

It’s been three years since Nancy and I had a chance to talk, and in that time, she’s been BUSY.  So in addition to falling in love with her character, Tug, and wanting to give him his own story, she’s written a small-town duet (and maybe we talked her into a third?) as well as a romcom duo!  Think we can talk her into a third of that series as well?  Because… SPOILER ALERT… we’re getting a third Shell Collector Series book, too! EEEP!

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle

A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector. “Bringing to life characters you can’t help but fall in love with, Nancy Naigle goes straight to the heart with this story of tragedy turned to triumph. A poignant reminder to never give up hope.”—Sheila Roberts, author of The Best Life Book Club Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug. But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild. As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Learn more about Nancy on her WEBSITEand follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
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  • and more!
Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
July 19, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 447: A Chat with Cate Touryan
July 14, 2025
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Episode 446: A Chat with Rachel Chamberlayne
July 12, 2025
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Episode 445: A Chat with Michelle Griep
July 7, 2025
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Episode 444: A Chat with Rosey Lee
July 5, 2025
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Episode 443: A Chat with Yvonne M. Morgan
June 30, 2025
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Episode 442: A Chat with Liz Johnson
June 28, 2025
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Episode 441: A Chat with Shannon Sue Dunlap
June 23, 2025
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Episode 440: A Chat with Jordan Millsaps
June 21, 2025
Jordan Millsaps
Episode 439: A Chat with Laura Thomas
June 16, 2025
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