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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 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
byChautona Havig

 Oh, wow.  When I read the synopsis for House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I knew this was going to be a fabulous book.  Forget all the endorsements and starred reviews, listen in to hear just how awesome this book is!  

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

When Margaret described the story within House of Honor, I not only learned a lot of art history, but I got a taste of Italy (sadly, without pasta and gelato… sniff). I can’t wait to see what she coes up with next.

 House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Two Italian sons, one woman, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.

As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they’re willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything.

House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.

Learn more about Margaret on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

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Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
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Episode 437: A Chat with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
June 9, 2025
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Episode 436: A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
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Episode 435: A Chat with Rachel Keith
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Episode 434: A Chat with Lynn U. Watson
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Episode 433: A Chat with Megan Soja
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Episode 432: A Chat with Crystal Caudill
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Episode 431: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
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Episode 430: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
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Episode 429: A Chat with J. A. Webb
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