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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

A Look Back at Four 5-Star Reads from This Year’s Interviews

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

I've had a lot of 5-star reads this year, and four of them were books from interviews I've had on the podcast. via @chautonahavig

When I started this podcast, it was a way for me to just get to chat about books, especially 5-star reads) with anyone who would listen. I pictured occasional interviews with authors or reader chats (still don’t have any of those… sigh), but I wanted a place to just gush about all the bookness.

Well, interviews have taken over quite a bit, but I keep pushing back a bit because I still want to talk about the books I loved and why I loved them. I’ve had some great 5-star reads this year–more than any other year, I think. And so I decided to start a “series” of episodes where I revisit some of the books from author interviews and give my double coppers on them.  The first four–total 5-star books, but I doubt they always will be. Maybe so, though.

Christian fiction gets better every year. EEEP!  Just the way it should be.

5-star reads

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

A Look Back at Four 5-Star Reads from This Year’s Interviews

I just want to point out that these are not the ONLY reads from this year’s interviews. There have been more before and after these, but I realized too late that I chose the first four that I’d read that followed my “Favorites of 2022 so far” episode. The interview JUST before that is another one I need to do. So take these out of order just because they’re great books and you need to know more about them!

Shadoes in the Mind's Eye Janyre TrompFirst up: Janyre Tromp  (Episode 129)

Shadows in the Mind’s Eye

Post WWII, a soldier returns home to find the corrupt town that he left is even more corrupt than before. Add to that PTSD the twists and turns, the making me doubt… it’s a wonderful debut novel (one of TWO on this list, btw!)

One thing I didn’t mention in the interview was the brilliant DEEP POV of the characters. It was definitely an un-putdownable book. I cheated on “how I usually read books” and um… yeah. Read a few more a time or two.

If you’d like to read my review, you can find it HERE on Goodreads.

After that, I did a “How I choose five-star books” bit so you’d understand how I pick a 5-star read.”

Next: Danielle Grandinetti (Episode 131)

As Silent as the nightAs Silent as the Night

While Episode 131 focused on A Strike to the Heart, which I haven’t read yet, Danielle Grandinetti also discussed her Christmas novella As Silent as the Night.

Mob-controlled Chicago in the 1930s is a dangerous place for many reasons, and for Lucia–terrifying ones. This is Christmas fiction “with a bite.”

Suspense, crime, romance… it’s got it all and in a novella that doesn’t feel rushed (although I did not want it to end.  Nope. Nope.

My Goodreads review.

Then came Liz Tolsma (Episode 142)

A promise engraved liz tolsmaA Promise Engraved

I’ve loved all (I think) the Doors to the Past split-time novels that I’ve read, and this was definitely my favorite. The Alamo isn’t always my favorite story, but Liz Tolsma really did a phenomenal job writing both time periods.

Her contemporary story focuses on border patrol and the terrible position the workers are put in as well as how hard it is for all persons involved.

But the historical part… it completely overtook things.  One thing I thought was great was that both stories were complete in themselves but all the richer by adding the element that tied them together.

You can read my Goodreads review HERE.

sara brunsvold the extraordinary deaths of Mrs.KipSara Brunsvold (Episode 145)

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip

So far, I think this is my #1 book of the year–the second 5-star DEBUT novel so far. I’m so impressed by the depth and richness of this story. Mrs. Kip was an amazing woman, and her life inspires readers in amazing ways.

I’m not a crier. Rarely cry, actually. But I actually teared up a few times in this book, which I think is pretty impressive.

In the words of Kathleen Kelly’s mother (from You’ve Got Mail), “Read it with a box of Kleenex.”

To read my Goodreads review HERE.

I suggested that for more information about Mrs. Kip and the other books I’ve mentioned, you visit  Avid Readers of Christian Fiction on Facebook.

My Goodreads review list!

Stay tuned for Tuesday’s interview with Amanda Wen!

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Comments

  1. Kay DiBianca says

    September 29, 2022 at 11:28 am

    A 5-star review from Chautona Havig is a good reason to read a book. I’m adding these books to my TBR stack!

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

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Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
byChautona Havig

A chat with Sarah Sundin is always fun, so when I learned we’d be discussing her upcoming release, The Sound of Light, last October, I was excited. Well… we chatted, and it’s finally time to share that interview. Listen in to what the title means, where Sarah came up with it, and the delightful story that she’s got waiting for us. I’m glad this episode came out in time for me to get the 40% off and free shipping deal from Baker because I apparently didn’t order it back when we chatted!

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

How I Fell in Love With This Haunting Title

I didn’t know much about Denmark and WWII, so chatting with Sarah about The Sound of Light shed definite light (no pun intended) on the history of the Danes and how they stood up to Hitler… and got away with it (for the most part).

The Sound of Light tells the story of a physicist who meets a “slow, dull” guy who intrigues her in spite of herself. Come on… if that doesn’t grab you… Maybe the fact that this slow dude is really an Olympic rower in disguise who uses his father’s company as a front for who he is and how he helps Jews escape?  Yeah. That.

As always, Sarah Sundin has done her research and the result is a gripping story of resistance, protection, and ultimately love for God, our fellow man, and maybe… each other.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for my copy of The Sound of Light to arrive.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research–her life’s dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement’s legendary Havmand–the merman–and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

You can also grab this book from Baker Book House at 40% off with free shipping! (which is cheaper than the Kindle version!)

And you can learn more about Sarah Sundin on her WEBSITE.

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

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Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
Episode 204: A Chat with Sarah Sundin about The Sound of Light
January 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 203: A Chat with Heather Greer about Window of Opportunity
January 27, 2023
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Episode 202: A Chat with Historical Christian Author, Laura Frantz
January 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 201: A Closer Look at This YA Dystopian Series
January 20, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 200: Comparing & Contrasting Two Split-Time Novels
January 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 199: A Chat about Karl May with Robert Stermscheg
January 13, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 198: A Chat about Everything Is Just Beginning with Erin Bartels
January 10, 2023
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Episode 197: A Chat with Amish Author, Shelley Shepard Gray
January 6, 2023
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Episode 196: A Chat with Rom-Com Author by Becca Kinzer
January 3, 2023
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Episode 195: A Chat about What I Would Say with Liz Tolsma
December 23, 2022
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5-star read for me. Reposted from @sarahsundinaut 5-star read for me.

Reposted from @sarahsundinauthor A DNA test reveals a family secret, leading to a journal of a Jewish woman in occupied Greece. A rich and powerful World War II novel from @authorliztolsma . More here on my blog: https://www.sarahsundin.com/what-i-would-tell-you-by-liz-tolsma/ (Clickable link in the Linktree in my bio under Book Recommendations)
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