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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

This Author Does One Really Brilliant Thing with Her Books

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

J.L. Crosswhite writes more than brilliant Christian romantic suspense, she also writes a killer synopsis. Find out about her latest book! via @chautonahavig

J.L. Crosswhite and I had a chat about her books, specifically her romantic suspense series–the Hometown Heroes and the In the Shadows series both!

We also digressed and talked about readership, publishing, and the pros and cons of traditional and indie publishing. All with tons of laughter!

While Jennifer is part of my ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) chapter, I couldn’t remember if we’d actually met before ( #Becausethatplaguewhichshallnotbenamed ), but then Jennifer reminded me of a jaunt through Fullerton, California from Hope International University to a yogurt shop where I had some amazing blueberry lavender yogurt (and became obsessed with making it myself.  Let’s just say it’s amazing and leave it at that.

That’s when I recalled that I liked her in person, too.  Always a blessing.  I just didn’t know what kind of books she wrote but now…

J.L. Crosswhite

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

This Author Does One Really Brilliant Thing with Her Books

It’s my favorite thing authors do, and when they do it right and find a different take on it, the books come alive in super cool ways.  What is it?

Spin-offs.  “What’s so brilliant about that?” you ask? “Don’t lots of authors do spin-offs? Haven’t you done spin-offs?” The answers are, in order: lots, yes, and yes.  But in her spin-off from her Hometown Heroes series, J.L. Crosswhite is particularly clever.  She looked at what makes a hero, how folks react to those heroes, and then dug deep and found a nugget.

Heroes often have siblings, friends, someone who lives in their shadows. What happens when their lives become stories that keep you on the edge of your seat?  Jennifer explores that.

I’m going to mix things up and share her book next before I go on about our interview, because seriously–brilliant synopsis.

Over Her Head J.L. CrosswhiteAbout Over Her Head by J .L. Crosswhite

She’s working on a new start…

…He’s better with computers than people.

Can they build a relationship that fits their new life?

Fresh-out-of-cosmetology-school Jessica and whiz-software-engineer Austin have been thrown together by mutual friends. They even escaped a wildfire together.

But do they have something more than friendship?

Maybe a singles’ camping trip will make their future clear.

When they encounter someone who needs their help, the relaxing weekend away becomes anything but. As the danger mounts and the challenges reveal who they truly are, will it pull them together or push them apart… for good?

You will get lost in Over Her Head because the biggest adventure is falling in love.

Guys!  That synopsis!

This is Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in Speed meets the church singles group! EEEP!

I was sold on the books from that alone. And Jennifer knows her stuff. We spent a good amount of time talking about the indie market and what makes it such a great place for authors to be.  We also discussed some of the limitations of traditional publishing and why it’s a great choice for some and not so great for others.

And we laughed.  Oh, my goodness did we laugh.  Jennifer is a fun woman full of excellent ideas and excellent romantic suspense books, but more than that…

She’s a history buff.  Know what that means?  YEP! You’ve got it.  She also has a historical romance series! You won’t want to miss out on those, either. The Route Home series takes you way back to the Oregon Trail!

You can find J.L. Crosswhite on her website for all things romantic suspense.

You can find her on her other website for all things historical romance.

And you can find her at Tandem Services Ink to find out more about her author services.

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

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If you’d like to be on the Because Fiction Podcast, please go HERE and submit your topic idea! I’d love to hear about it.

 

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 541: A Chat with Demi Griffin
byChautona Havig

What happens when an author writes an intense epic fantasy and collapses exhausted at the end? She writes a romantasy trilogy, of course! Listen in as Demi Griffin and I chat about her newest series and why you should read it (I can’t wait!)

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

Okay, stop right now and head over and check out the hardback cover! Isn’t it FABULOUS?? EEEP!

This series has everything I think people are looking for, fantasy and romance combined without all the “spicy smut.” Add faith and… WHEEEEEEEEE!

Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin

EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORNS. Hidden in a tiny cottage away from the ordinary existence of Cerulean’s citizens, Aural lived a simple life with her father in Sabean Woods. When he is struck by a serious illness, that ordinary life suddenly became extraordinary.

In search of a physician, Aural breaks her promise never to leave the woods. When her path crosses with a Mystic, the manipulative Duchess, and the Prince of Cerulean, Aural realizes something beyond her simple quest to help her dying father has mapped out her journey.

An ancient legend about a brotherly rivalry that resulted in tragedy stirs up the Fates guarding Cerulean. If the Cerulean Rose doesn’t bloom again, the kingdom is destined to perish.

A wild path filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue shapes Aural’s heart in ways she could not have imagined as she gets sucked into the legend. Would it be enough to restore the foundation of true love that established the kingdom of Cerulean hundreds of years ago? Could a simple girl satisfy the Fates, capture a prince’s heart, overcome a king’s prejudice, and save Cerulean’s Rose?

Learn more about Demi 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 541: A Chat with Demi Griffin
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May 11, 2026
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