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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Historical, Contemporary, Cowboy? This Eclectic Author Has Romance on the Mind

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Celebrate with Karen Baney today as the first book in her Steadfast Love Series, The Air I Breathe, releases! via @chautonahavig

Author Karen Baney loves Arizona, and it shows in her historical and in her contemporary novels. Today her latest book, a single-mom romance, releases, and whew! What a story it tells! The Air I Breathe tackles a host of problems that are familiar to today’s readers in a sensitive and forthright manner. Listen in to see why I was excited at some of the choices Karen made!

Karen Baney

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

Historical, Contemporary, Cowboy? This Eclectic Author Has Romance on the Mind

Having grown up in Pennsylvania where there are those tall things with green all over them… Trees, I think she called them, Karen Baney actually likes Arizona.  I mean, heat, dry, critters, not many trees (but more than we have here in the Mojave Desert)… did I mention critters???  Yeah. But she likes it there and has done a whole lot of research on Arizona history for her historical novels.

Today’s release, however, is a contemporary, single-mom, second-chance romance with a twist. Her character has followed her daughter’s father to Arizona after his conversion so he can be a part of their daughter’s life. But they aren’t getting romantic.

As much as I long to see children in homes with two parents, marrying someone just because a while back you conceived a child together isn’t inherently good for that child. Can God make it work?  Certainly. I’d even argue that there’s a lot to be said for it–if you’re going into it with the idea that you’re going to serve the Lord together and trust Him for your marriage.

But that doesn’t mean it’s automatically a good idea. Certainly not without a lot of prayer. And showing the other side of that coin is what Karen Baney seems to be trying to do.

So, whether you’re looking for historical, contemporary, or her upcoming cowboy romance, it seems like Karen Baney is a great place to check out Christian fiction with a different twist.

Karen Baney the air I breatheThe Air I Breathe by Karen Baney

One moment of weakness…
…destroyed everything.

She upended her life and must start over. Will she find her footing again in this new town?

He has too much on his plate—no room for romance.

Starting over in a new city triggers Kelly’s panic attacks. When she reaches out for help, Matt rescues her. They are drawn to each other. One night changes everything. Will she repeat the sins of her past? Will his guilt destroy his faith?

Can they both learn to forgive before it’s too late? What will they sacrifice to make things right?

You’ll enjoy this contemporary Christian romance because of the strong friendships and hope for redemption.

Join Matt and Kelly in this second chances, starting over, single mom romance.

You can learn more about Karen Baney on her WEBSITE.

You can also follow her 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 587: A Chat with Four Authors
byChautona Havig

I love a good Christmas novella collection, and Lighting Up Christmas promises to be a fabulous one. Listen in as I chat with four Scrivenings authors about the collection and their books!

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

If you knew the craziness that was this recording! Those poor women! Meanwhile, we managed, and now, I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to get to it! :D

Lighting Up Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Heather Greer, Mary Pat Johns, and Regina Rudd Merrick

Four Christmas lights. Four love stories. One season filled with faith, hope, and happily-ever-afters.

In Lighting Up Christmas, four heartwarming holiday romance novellas shine with cozy charm, clean romance, small-town warmth, and the gentle reminder that God can bring light to even the dimmest season.

In The Bright Side of Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Holly Belle loves Christmas, holiday décor, and twinkling lights. Her new neighbor, Robert Bradshaw, prefers peace, quiet, and keeping her Christmas cheer firmly on her side of the duplex. But when Holly decides his grinchy heart needs a little holiday help, their battle over lights may lead to something brighter than either one expected.

In The Light of a Christmas Star by Heather Greer, Elena Bell is determined to make Tannenbaum’s Festival of Lights a success for the families depending on it. When rising Hollywood star Trenton Wills arrives at her B&B, he may be the answer to the town’s needs—and the beginning of Elena’s own Christmas romance. But Trenton has secrets that could dim more than the festival lights.

In ‘Twas the Light Before Christmas by Mary Pat Johns, Cooper Blackmon enters the region’s biggest Christmas lights competition determined to win. Mandy Alvarez needs the prize money to save her family’s beloved Christmas Village. As rivalry turns to friendship and friendship glows into something more, only one can claim the prize. But both may have far more to lose than money.

In Pitch Perfect Lights by Regina Rudd Merrick, Holly Shepherd is facing her family’s first Christmas after loss while trying to create joy for her young siblings. When author Paxton Hollis returns home and quietly helps revive her father’s beloved light display, Holly discovers that hope can still shine, even through grief.

A charming choice for readers who enjoy clean, faith-friendly romance wrapped in Christmas lights, small-town warmth, and happily-ever-after hope.

Read Lighting Up Christmas and discover four faith-filled holiday love stories that glow with joy, hope, and the true light of Christmas.

Visit Amy at her WEBSITE or on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

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

You can learn more about Regina and her books on her Website and 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
  • Amazon
  • YouTube
  • and more!
Episode 587: A Chat with Four Authors
Episode 587: A Chat with Four Authors
September 30, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 586: A Chat with Becca Kinzer
September 28, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 585: A Chat with Jenelle Hovde
September 26, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 583: A Chat with Elizabeth Goddard
September 21, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 582: A Chat with Terrie Todd
September 19, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 581: A Chat with Bethany Crigger
September 14, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 580: A Chat with R. T. Ward
September 12, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 579: A Chat with Lauren Smyth
September 9, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 578: A Chat with Carolyn Bourke
September 7, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 577: A Chat with Denise M. Colby
September 5, 2026
Chautona Havig
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Looking for a FREE audiobook? Try Twice Sold Tales Looking for a FREE audiobook? Try Twice Sold Tales read by @christadelsorbo on her YouTube channel. 
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Book clubs can be murder. Well, at Olemann's Books Book clubs can be murder. Well, at Olemann's Books. Twelve people signed up for twelve months of reading fun. No one told them that signing up was signing on for life-or-death stakes. Take a prompt, figure out a riddle, read a book, arrive at all meetings. Or die. WHAT???

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#BookClubFiction
#ChristFic
#ChristianMysteries
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Book clubs can be murder. Well, at Olemann's Books Book clubs can be murder. Well, at Olemann's Books. Twelve people signed up for twelve months of reading fun. No one told them that signing up was signing on for life-or-death stakes. Take a prompt, figure out a riddle, read a book, arrive at all meetings. Or die. WHAT???

https://amzn.to/3TGmHhD
#BookClubFiction
#ChristFic
#ChristianMysteries
#KindleUnlimited
Book clubs can be murder. Well, at Olemann's Books Book clubs can be murder. Well, at Olemann's Books. Twelve people signed up for twelve months of reading fun. No one told them that signing up was signing on for life-or-death stakes. Take a prompt, figure out a riddle, read a book, arrive at all meetings. Or die. WHAT???

https://amzn.to/3TGmHhD
#BookClubFiction
#ChristFic
#ChristianMysteries
#KindleUnlimited
Picture it. You decide that this is the year for b Picture it. You decide that this is the year for book clubs. This is the year you're going to move off your "favorites shelf" explore new horizons (or at least a new author or two). It's gonna be great (why do I want to add, "they said"?). Maybe you're an introvert who knows that peopling for an hour or two is going to drain you, but for a good book? You've got this. You square your shoulders, open the bookstore door, inhale the vellichor (unless you're a Harper Brevig--then you're totally down for BIBLIOchor), and step into your new life--as a book club person. Oh, yeah.
You meet new people. Grab a snack. Sit down to find out what book you're going to read first and...
Discover that your life has been taken hostage. Because if you and your new book club friends don't solve a riddle, read the right book based on that riddle, and show up to every meeting? One or more of you won't be alive to attend the next.
WHAT???
It's basically @Chantelreadsallday 's Read Your Bookshelf Challenge in a book.
Dying to Read: their inciting incidents might be deadly. Available now in paperback and eBook (and on Kindle Unlimited!) The audiobook is coming soon! Don't miss more about the bookstore in the Booked for Love anthology releasing October 1!
https://amzn.to/3TGmHhD (#affiliatelink)
#BookishBook
#ChristFic
#ChristianMystery
#BookClub
Picture it. You decide that this is the year for b Picture it. You decide that this is the year for book clubs. This is the year you're going to move off your "favorites shelf" explore new horizons (or at least a new author or two). It's gonna be great (why do I want to add, "they said"?). Maybe you're an introvert who knows that peopling for an hour or two is going to drain you, but for a good book? You've got this. You square your shoulders, open the bookstore door, inhale the vellichor (unless you're a Harper Brevig--then you're totally down for BIBLIOchor), and step into your new life--as a book club person. Oh, yeah.
You meet new people. Grab a snack. Sit down to find out what book you're going to read first and...
Discover that your life has been taken hostage. Because if you and your new book club friends don't solve a riddle, read the right book based on that riddle, and show up to every meeting? One or more of you won't be alive to attend the next.
WHAT???
It's basically @Chantelreadsallday 's Read Your Bookshelf Challenge in a book.
Dying to Read: their inciting incidents might be deadly. Available now in paperback and eBook (and on Kindle Unlimited!) The audiobook is coming soon! Don't miss more about the bookstore in the Booked for Love anthology releasing October 1!
https://amzn.to/3TGmHhD (#affiliatelink)
#BookishBook
#ChristFic
#ChristianMystery
#BookClub
Picture it. You decide that this is the year for b Picture it. You decide that this is the year for book clubs. This is the year you're going to move off your "favorites shelf" explore new horizons (or at least a new author or two). It's gonna be great (why do I want to add, "they said"?). Maybe you're an introvert who knows that peopling for an hour or two is going to drain you, but for a good book? You've got this. You square your shoulders, open the bookstore door, inhale the vellichor (unless you're a Harper Brevig--then you're totally down for BIBLIOchor), and step into your new life--as a book club person. Oh, yeah.
You meet new people. Grab a snack. Sit down to find out what book you're going to read first and...
Discover that your life has been taken hostage. Because if you and your new book club friends don't solve a riddle, read the right book based on that riddle, and show up to every meeting? One or more of you won't be alive to attend the next.
WHAT???
It's basically @Chantelreadsallday 's Read Your Bookshelf Challenge in a book.
Dying to Read: their inciting incidents might be deadly. Available now in paperback and eBook (and on Kindle Unlimited!) The audiobook is coming soon! Don't miss more about the bookstore in the Booked for Love anthology releasing October 1!
https://amzn.to/3TGmHhD (#affiliatelink)
#BookishBook
#ChristFic
#ChristianMystery
#BookClub
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