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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Makes This Debut Novel Also an Award Winner?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

The award-winning True Love's Calling releases today, and I chatted with Lori DeJong about the book and the series! via @chautonahavig

Conflict in ministry? Never!  Author Lori DeJong explores what happens when two people have different goals for the same ministry in her debut (and award-winning!) release, Love’s True Calling. Listen in and learn how a writing assignment both changed how Lori writes her books and how it sparked a whole series!

Lori DeJong

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

What Makes This Debut Novel Also an Award Winner?

Well, I didn’t give the award, so I can’t say for sure, but I’m going to guess a riveting plot.  Maybe killer characters? Also possibly (probably) lovely writing. Now I get to read it and find out which or all of these were the likely culprit. Because it released today!  YAY!

Lori DeJong tells how she was in a writing class and had to plot out a book for assignments and by the time she finished, she had a novel that would go on to win the 2022 Genesis Award!  Congratulations, Lori.

We talked about writing, praying over our writing, and just what calling might look like in the life of a Christian. It was a lovely chat, and now I’m eager to read this book!

Love's True Calling by Lori DeJongLove’s True Calling by Lori DeJong

After years of jumping through other people’s hoops to be all they thought she should be, and enduring a tragedy no mother should, self-described “newbie” Christian, Harper Townsend, has finally found her true calling … and her true love. Until it appears that to follow one may mean leaving the other behind.

Adolescent Psychologist, Wyatt McCowan, is beyond delighted to have the-girl-that-got-away back in his life, and his heart. But even as they fall more in love, he realizes that being obedient to God’s calling on each of their lives may pull them apart. She rejected him once in favor of another, which left him hurt and angry. But this time, he can’t fault her for following hard after the God she loves with all her heart, even if it means leaving him once again.

You can learn more about Lori (and join her newsletter!) on her WEBSITE.

Find Lori DeJong on GoodReads and BookBub.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 572: A Chat with Kari Trumbo
byChautona Havig

Mystery is my absolute favorite genre, so when I heard that Kari Trumbo had taken her Wayside Ranch and spun it off into a mystery series, you know I was excited. Kari? Plus mystery? Listen in and hear why Beneath Still Waters is next on my “must read” list!

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

Okay… mystery that isn’t focused on romance? That’s like this book was tailor-made for me! EEEP!

I love what Kari is doing with this series and now this spin-off. This is gonna be great!

Beneath Still Waters by Kari Trumbo

Fresh out of training and still haunted by a near-fatal shootout, Ferd Kincade retreats to Wayside Ranch to heal.

She expects quiet. Instead, she finds a body. When she discovers a mysterious boat washed ashore on a nearby lake, nothing about the scene makes sense and Ferd can’t walk away. Pulling Piper’s Ridge detective Duke Campose into the investigation, she soon uncovers signs of something far more dangerous than a simple murder.

Someone is hiding a deadly secret.

And they’re willing to kill again to keep it buried.

As the truth points to a ruthless drug operation, Ferd becomes the next target. Now, she’ll need every ounce of her training, and a lot of faith, to survive long enough to bring a killer to justice.

Don’t miss the giveaway that ends September 7th. Books will be shipped to US addresses, but feel free to enter from anywhere and have the book sent to a friend! No purchase necessary! Just click HERE to enter.

Learn more on Kari’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • YouTube
  • and more!
Episode 572: A Chat with Kari Trumbo
Episode 572: A Chat with Kari Trumbo
August 19, 2026
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Episode 567: A Chat with Roseanna M. White
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