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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

I Love Being Totally Surprised in Romantic Suspense

by Chautona Havig · 2 Comments

Elizabeth Goddard is one of my newest "favorite" authors. How did I not know the genius that is this woman's writing? I love Present Danger! via @chautonahavig

What does a reader do when she thinks an author writes historical fiction and opens her Kindle to find herself in the middle of nail-biting romantic suspense?  SHE SQUEALS!

Or, at least this reader did!  For reasons I cannot fathom, I’ve always thought Elizabeth Goddard wrote historical romance, so when I opened Present Danger and found it set… well, not to put too fine a point on it… IN THE PRESENT… I kind of did a jig right there in my living room.

My dog, Neville, is still traumatized by it.

Anyway, I had a chat with her about her latest release, Present Danger, and guys.  Let’s talk books!

Elizabeth Goddard

 

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

I Love Nothing Better Than Being Totally Surprised in Romantic Suspense

Elizabeth Goddard’s Rocky Mountain Courage series takes off with a crash-bang in Present Danger. Loosely related to her previous series, Uncommon Justice, this one combines the forces of an ex-FBI agent and a US Forest Service Special Agent to outwit archaeological artifact traffickers. Wow.  All I can say is WOW.  This book will have you gripping the arm of your chair and wishing it had a life vest attached!

Note: This special agent is not with quite the same outfit as in the book I talked to Patricia Bradley about in episode 55.

Elizabeth spoke of her love for romantic suspense, the layers and twists and turns she puts in her books… But my favorite part was when she started talking about how characters popped up and said, “Hey! Tell my story.”  And so she did!

Good news! There are at least three books in this series, so keep your eyes peeled (book 2 is already up for preorder!  YAY!)

In addition to these books, Elizabeth Goddard also has thirty-some-odd books with Love Inspired Suspense.

You can find all of her books on Amazon or your favorite book retailers (including some in-store at Barnes and Noble)

Elizabeth Goddard is also a great and eclectic reader!

She reads widely and many genres including romantic suspense, fantasy, and sci-fi!  I suggested that she check out D.C. Marino’s Kingdom of Ruins since that combines fantasy with archaeology.

She says she carves out time to read every day just like she makes time to write every day.  That sort of discipline is what makes for great writing, so it’s no wonder I loved the book so much!

You can learn more about Elizabeth Goddard at her website, where you will also find links to follow her on social media and sign up for her newsletter.

Present Danger Elizabeth GoddardAbout Present Danger

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He’s committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn–one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he’s failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series.

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Previous Post: « All Great Historical Fiction Has One Thing in Common
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Comments

  1. Cindy Davis says

    May 22, 2021 at 5:35 am

    I have always loved romantic suspense. I loved her book and so did my 16-year-old son 🙂 She is an excellent writer.

    Reply
  2. Paula Shreckhise says

    May 18, 2021 at 6:14 am

    Terrific book. One of the best I’ve read this year.

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 601: A Chat with Glenn Patrick O’Turner
byChautona Havig

Don’t know about you, but an allegory about the Armor of God? That’s right up my alley. Listen in as I talk with Glenn Patrick O’Turner about his Armatura!

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

I really enjoyed this conversation, but even more, I love the premise of the story. I have a copy here that he sent me, and I can’t wait to read it.

Armatura by Glenn Patrick O’Turner

Armatura is a gripping Christian allegory that pulls back the curtain on the unseen war described in Scripture. Through intense trials, brotherhood, and moments of revelation, it challenges readers to reconsider the nature of the struggles they face—and what it truly means to be prepared.

This is not just a story. It is a wake-up call.

Through a progression of symbolic drills and demanding exercises, the story mirrors the journey of faith itself; what it means to be called, what it costs to follow, and how we are shaped along the way. As Vic and his platoon are pushed beyond their limits, they begin to understand who they were before the call, who they are becoming, and why their past trials were never wasted. Each lesson builds toward a deeper purpose, revealing not only how to wear the armor, but why it matters and what it truly means to stand when the final battle comes.

More than an adventure, this is a story that is meant to challenge, sharpen, and prepare those who are ready to see the battle for what it truly is.

Learn more on Glenn’s YouTubeChannel and follow on Goodreads and BookBub.

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

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  • and more!
Episode 601: A Chat with Glenn Patrick O’Turner
Episode 601: A Chat with Glenn Patrick O’Turner
November 7, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 600: A Chat with JPC Allen
November 2, 2026
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Episode 599: A Chat with Frank McKinney
October 31, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode : A Chat with L.J. Long
October 28, 2026
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Episode 597: A Chat with Alison Treat
October 26, 2026
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Episode 596: A Chat with Katheen Rouser
October 24, 2026
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Episode 595: A Chat with Jeremiah Friedli
October 21, 2026
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Episode 594: A Chat with Joy Crain
October 19, 2026
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Episode 593: A Chat with Thomas Goodman
October 17, 2026
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Episode 592: A Chat with Heidi Main
October 14, 2026
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October 1939. They fled Vienna looking for sanctuary.
They found a trap.
Following the Anschluss, Austria is no longer recognizable.
For its Jewish citizens, survival means listening to the whispers—whispers of a
hidden chalet where a courageous woman keeps hunted children safe, fed, and far
from Nazi hands. Driven by desperation, parents face an agonizing choice: part
with their children forever, or risk their lives by keeping them close.
Hans Hartmann arrives at Chalet Versteck with a hardened
heart and a terrified little girl in tow. He found young Grete abandoned at a
train station and couldn't leave her behind. But the chalet is far from the
haven they were promised.
The air here is thick with secrets. Children vanish in the
dead of night. And before Hans can uncover the truth, a high-ranking Nazi
officer is murdered right inside their sanctuary.
With the Gestapo closing in, the chalet becomes a pressure
cooker of suspicion. To save Grete and escape with his own life, Hans must
untangle a web of deadly lies. In a place where trust is a liability, Hans will
have to find a glimmer of faith to guide them out of the darkness—before the
killer strikes again.
https://link.amazon/B04ONq0y4 #AffiliateLink#ChristFic
#HistoricalMystery
#FairytaleRetelling
#HanselAndGretel
FREE through November 3, (and it takes place mostl FREE through November 3, (and it takes place mostly in autumn!)

October 1939. They fled Vienna looking for sanctuary.
They found a trap.
Following the Anschluss, Austria is no longer recognizable.
For its Jewish citizens, survival means listening to the whispers—whispers of a
hidden chalet where a courageous woman keeps hunted children safe, fed, and far
from Nazi hands. Driven by desperation, parents face an agonizing choice: part
with their children forever, or risk their lives by keeping them close.
Hans Hartmann arrives at Chalet Versteck with a hardened
heart and a terrified little girl in tow. He found young Grete abandoned at a
train station and couldn't leave her behind. But the chalet is far from the
haven they were promised.
The air here is thick with secrets. Children vanish in the
dead of night. And before Hans can uncover the truth, a high-ranking Nazi
officer is murdered right inside their sanctuary.
With the Gestapo closing in, the chalet becomes a pressure
cooker of suspicion. To save Grete and escape with his own life, Hans must
untangle a web of deadly lies. In a place where trust is a liability, Hans will
have to find a glimmer of faith to guide them out of the darkness—before the
killer strikes again.
https://link.amazon/B04ONq0y4 #AffiliateLink#ChristFic
#HistoricalMystery
#FairytaleRetelling
#HanselAndGretel
FREE through November 3, (and it takes place mostl FREE through November 3, (and it takes place mostly in autumn!)

October 1939. They fled Vienna looking for sanctuary.
They found a trap.
Following the Anschluss, Austria is no longer recognizable.
For its Jewish citizens, survival means listening to the whispers—whispers of a
hidden chalet where a courageous woman keeps hunted children safe, fed, and far
from Nazi hands. Driven by desperation, parents face an agonizing choice: part
with their children forever, or risk their lives by keeping them close.
Hans Hartmann arrives at Chalet Versteck with a hardened
heart and a terrified little girl in tow. He found young Grete abandoned at a
train station and couldn't leave her behind. But the chalet is far from the
haven they were promised.
The air here is thick with secrets. Children vanish in the
dead of night. And before Hans can uncover the truth, a high-ranking Nazi
officer is murdered right inside their sanctuary.
With the Gestapo closing in, the chalet becomes a pressure
cooker of suspicion. To save Grete and escape with his own life, Hans must
untangle a web of deadly lies. In a place where trust is a liability, Hans will
have to find a glimmer of faith to guide them out of the darkness—before the
killer strikes again.
https://link.amazon/B04ONq0y4 #AffiliateLink#ChristFic
#HistoricalMystery
#FairytaleRetelling
#HanselAndGretel
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