• 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

Episode 16: A Chat w/ Melissa Wardwell about Scrumptious Independence

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

How did Melissa Wardwell start writing? What made her join the Independence Island Series? What can you expect from her upcoming novel? Find out today! via @chautonahavig

Ever wonder what makes someone start writing? What about where ideas for characters come from? Have you been eager to find out what’s coming in the Independence Islands Series?

Have we got an episode for you!  This week, we’re chatting with author Melissa Wardwell about her author journey, her books, and her inspiration for some of the characters in her first book in the Independence Islands series, Scrumptious Independence.  Not only that, we get a sneak peek into her upcoming books in the series, too!

episode 16 Melissa wardwell

 

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

How the Love of 2 Grandmothers Inspired This Series

Each author in the Independence Islands contributes to the series as a whole, but their books also form an independent series within the series.  Melissa Wardwell ’s series follows Beth Stevens in her quest for independence from familial expectations and utter dependence on God.

In this episode, Melissa Wardwell talks about how both of her grandmothers inspired the character of “Gram” in Scrumptious Independence. Mingling the good food of her childhood with faith, love, and encouragement,

So, thanks, Melissa for sharing all about:

  • How you started writing
  • The books you already have in print
  • Why you chose to join the series
  • How you chose your food truck for your business
  • Your thoughts on the collaboration process
  • The characters of Beth and Gram
  • Your books in this series & where you’re going with them
  • And all the stuffness

This week’s sponsor is: Celebrate Lit Publishing

And even more specifically, the upcoming Independence Islands Series.  All of the Merriweather Island books begin releasing, one a month, starting July 28, 2020. All books are up for preorder and for each book you preorder, you can request a collector’s postcard including a map of the island (with special places related to that book marked, and a unique offering from the author—a gardening tip, a list of books to try, or as with Melissa Wardwell’s books, a recipe!  Collect all the cards and receive a special bonus book written just for series superfans!  To find out more and how to get them, go HERE.

Merriweather Island Series

Links are likely affiliate links that provide me with a small commission
at no extra expense to you.

Dual Power of Convenience
by Chautona Havig

All they wanted was a happily-never-after. It was supposed
to be a match made on paper. With him halfway across the globe, they’d
never have to see each other again. So what’s Richard doing back on
Merriweather?”

Scrumptious Independence
by Melissa Wardwell

Armed with an inheritance she never expected and orders on
how to use it, Beth sets off for Merriweather Island and fulfillment of
a lifetime of dreams.

Or so she hopes.”

Secret Beach Boyfriend
by Kari Trumbo

She met Rafe on the beach when she was just five and it
seemed like fate tied them together. When a chance encounter returns him
to the islands twenty years later, Annie finds her beach friend has
grown up and now needs her help.”

Her Merriweather Hero
by Rachel Skatvold

Falling in love wasn’t in Tyler’s orders, but a new
deployment to Iraq is. How can he convince Kendall not to go AWOL when
she hears? What can he do to convince her that they’ll make it…
together?”

Mishaps Off the Mainland
by Tabitha Bouldin

Everything’s falling apart, and Mel’s dream transforms into
a nightmare. She thought this was what God wanted for her life, but can
you blame her for second-guessing everything?”

Restoring Fairhaven
by Carolyn Miller

Max much prefers the fictional world to the real, and the
gardening girl’s interruptions means he’s driven from his writing cave
far too often for his liking.

How’s he supposed to craft stories with her distracting him all the
time?”

independence islands

Don’t miss your pre-order bonus! Click here for more details.

Thanks again to Melissa for being on the show and as one who has read her book, I can assure you that you want to read Beth’s and Scott’s story.  It’s beautiful to see what happens there.

What God Brings Together melissa wardwellBe sure to check out Melissa Wardwell ‘s book, What God Brings Together. 

About the Book:

Can they walk through the doors God opens for them and allow forgiveness to restore what was taken so long ago?

Marriage was forever, at least that was what Emma thought, but an unfortunate turn of events brought her world crashing in around her. Determination to make a good life for her three children spur her to push through the pain of rejection and loneliness she battles. A chance meeting with a disfigured handyman sparks an unusual friendship that turns into more. The only thing holding her back is the memory of her past and what should have been.

His body’s disfigurement and self-torment keep David living in the shadows of society.
After spending time with Emma and her children, he begins to hope for something he knows he doesn’t deserve. Unwilling to listen to the self-doubt, he hatches a plan to put right what was wrong in his life. If only she would let him in.

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
Share366
Pin
Tweet
Email
369Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
369Shares

Related

Filed Under: Because Fiction Podcast

Previous Post: « What Happens When Worldviews Collide?
Next Post: Is the Coast Guard the Red-Headed Stepchild of the Military? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

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 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • 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
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
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

  • What Would Make a Tropical Vacation More Exciting? Find Out!
  • Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart
  • How Does an Intense Christmas Competition Lead to Love?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Just another hour... Tea is Pumpkin Masala Chai fr Just another hour...
Tea is Pumpkin Masala Chai from Marcella's Enchanted Cottage and blueberry cinnamon roll courtesy of #6daughter
, @andralane0129 
#AmReading 
#AnnetoberReadAThon 
@teri_blake_author 
#womensfiction
Yum... seriously the best beef ever. So glad we go Yum... seriously the best beef ever. So glad we got some,  but so many missed out. 
Thanks @robsogbbq
Instagram post 18282011413151971 Instagram post 18282011413151971
If you haven't read Seek and Hide by @amandagsteve If you haven't read Seek and Hide by @amandagstevens , stop everything and order this book. Then schedule dinner delivery the day it arrives and dive in. Chilling,  inspiring,  and proof that Amanda is a stellar Storyteller.
#AmReading 
#ChristFic
Reposted from @beccawierwille Less than one month Reposted from @beccawierwille Less than one month until release day for Road Trip Rescue! 🚘 🐶 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 24 to help me celebrate sending this story into the world. 

Also, prepare for more posts than normal. I’m excited to launch this book. 🥳
I think the moon is embracing autumn, too. I think the moon is embracing autumn,  too.
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Woot! Happy release Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Woot! Happy release day, @lovereadwriterepeat
  • 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!