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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
Next Post: Why I Knew I’d Love This New Series Reading the Cast of Characters »

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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 534: A Chat with Joanna Davidson Politano
byChautona Havig

Lovers of Joanna Davidson Politano won’t want to miss this episode! Listen in while we talk about the first book in a new SERIES and eeep! It’s split time!

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

Cornwall? Lost memory? Hasty marriage? A portrait that shouldn’t exist in a house on a cliff?

Sign me up!

The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano

He promised to help her reclaim the memories she lost—no matter what they found.

Until she remembered another man.

Cornwall, 1913

For three years, Merryn has lived without a past—no family, no history, no home that’s truly hers.

When the threat of being locked away for her own “protection” looms, she takes a desperate chance on AJ Winthrop—a warmhearted, whimsical stranger who offers a hasty marriage of convenience and a promise: he will take her back to Cornwall and help her uncover the truth about who she once was.

But along the wild Cornish coast, the memories that begin to surface are not the ones she expects.

Another man.

Another wedding.

A life that may already be hers.

When a hidden painting reveals Merryn’s own face staring back from another life, the fragile life she’s begun to build with AJ begins to unravel. Because the truth waiting in her past could destroy the love she’s only just found.

Cornwall, 1947

Haunted by the war and estranged from the wife he still loves, William Crawford is determined to save their family home for her—even if it means selling the mysterious portrait of Merryn Dunn tucked away in his cottage. But the secrets hidden within the painting threaten to overturn everything he believes…or lead him toward a redemption he never expected.

Decades apart, two lives are bound by a single portrait—and the truth it refuses to keep hidden. This sweeping dual-timeline historical mystery weaves together lost memories, buried truths, and a love story that refuses to fade.

Perfect for fans of Mimi Matthews, Susanna Kearsley, and Kate Morton.

Learn more on Joanna’s WEBSITE and don’t forget to check out her Reader Group on Facebook.

Also… GoodReads and BookBub are good places to follow authors.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
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  • and more!
Episode 534: A Chat with Joanna Davidson Politano
Episode 534: A Chat with Joanna Davidson Politano
April 20, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 533: A Chat with Chawna Schroeder
April 18, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 532: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn
April 13, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 531: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
April 11, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 530: A Chat with Erica Colahan
April 6, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 529: A Chat with Debut Author, Deena Adams
April 4, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 528: A Chat with Debut Novelist, Chuck Shelton
March 30, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 527: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
March 28, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 526: A Chat with Laurie Christine
March 23, 2026
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Episode 525: A Chat with Heather Greer
March 21, 2026
Chautona Havig
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