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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Why This Book Is One of My Top Anticipated Fall Reads

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

M. D. House's recent release, Sophia: Daughter of Barabbas, promises to take the series in exciting new directions. via @chautonahavig

Any time you get a chance to chat with M.D. “Mike” House, you’re in for a treat, and this week’s interview about his next book in the Barabbas series, Sophia, is no exception. Listen in as he talks about where he sees the series going, the research he’s done, the Bible truths he shares and learns, and a whole lot more.

Sophia

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

Why This Book Is One of My Top Anticipated Fall Reads

Mike House’s Barabbas series is one of the series that prompted my return to Biblical fiction a couple of years ago. I love seeing the deep dives he does into Biblical history to ensure we don’t just touch on the commonly assumed things. He looks at what we know about them, what is believed, and compares that with other facts of the time to make an educated guess where facts aren’t set in stone.  That’s a whole lot of work, but it sure does ensure that we get a rich story that combines the “what is” with reasonable “what ifs”.

In this conversation, we look at the series, the characters, and everything in between. Mike gives us a hint of where the series might go after Sophia and I was excited to hear he might even go past the second and third centuries.  SQUEE!  Who might be part of Barabba’s family far into the future… say during the time of the Reformation?

We also chatted about a lot of other things, because that’s what happens when you get to talking to someone who loves the Lord, loves fiction, and loves people like Mike does.

SophiaSophia: Daughter of Barabbas by M. D. House

After her miraculous rescue by the angel Raphael, Sophia, daughter of Barabbas and Chanah, sets out with the former slave Onesimus to find the elusive and itinerant apostle John. Once they find him, an unexpected trip outside the Roman empire into the mysterious northern nation of Sarmatia expands her understanding of God’s global efforts to gather his children to their Savior.

It also reveals in starker detail the pernicious, pervasive attempts by the adversary to disrupt the work and turn the children of God toward evil and superstition. Pride is her own weakness, and she must learn how to temper and control it, so that her mind might be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

What surprises await her as she travels great distances with the Lord’s beloved apostle to spread the message of the gospel? How differently does God see her life than what she has assumed? What will happen to the growing church’s relationship with Rome when Emperor Vespasian dies and his sons pick up the mantle? And how does John continue to have so much energy and faith?

You can learn more about Mike on his WEBSITE.  Follow him on BookBub and GoodReads.

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

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:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
June 14, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 437: A Chat with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
June 9, 2025
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Episode 436: A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
June 7, 2025
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Episode 435: A Chat with Rachel Keith
June 3, 2025
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Episode 434: A Chat with Lynn U. Watson
May 31, 2025
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Episode 433: A Chat with Megan Soja
May 26, 2025
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Episode 432: A Chat with Crystal Caudill
May 24, 2025
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Episode 431: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
May 19, 2025
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Episode 430: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
May 17, 2025
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Episode 429: A Chat with J. A. Webb
May 12, 2025
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