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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

This Unique New Book Will Excite You about Politics Again

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

One of the best things about Dave Milbrandt is that every conversation with him is a joy. Today, we chat about Fool's Luck! via @chautonahavig

When you meet a new friend at a murder, you know you’ve made a friend for life–or death.  Today’s guest, Dave Milbrandt, and I met at an interactive murder mystery fundraiser and I immediately wanted to know more about his Jim Mitchell series.  I reviewed the third in that series back then, but now…

We can thank the pandemic for a fabulous book (endorsed by Thomas Locke, no less) that releases July 13, Fool’s Luck! Guys, this BOOK!

Dave Milbrandt

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

 

This Unique New Book Will Excite You about Politics Again

Author of the Jim Mitchell series (my review of book three is HERE), Dave Milbrandt used his “shelter at home” time to write a book, and wow! What a book!  When a guy wins the lottery, he doesn’t buy a new car or house–doesn’t go on trips or even invest it in the stock market.  Nope.

He announces his bid for the presidency… of the United States.

Oh, and he wins that lottery on April Fool’s Day, no less.

If that’s not a brilliant premise for a book, I don’t know what is.

Dave and I chatted about his writing process.  For the record, Fool’s Luck was written to the Poledark soundtrack for hours upon hours at a time. He also names characters after specific places and really loves to get into local flavor with his settings.Not only that, but even his dedication has significance to his life and writing.

Dave Milbrandt teaches (or has taught) literature (he’s one of those meanies who makes kids read F. Scott Fitzgerald), government, and related topics. He, like I, loves teens and is invigorated by interaction with them.

We also discussed the differences and similarities of indie vs. traditional publishing and what Dave and I like and dislike about both. As Dave pointed out, if he hadn’t gone traditional this time, he might not have the delightful endorsement he received from Thomas Locke.

Obviously, we had a great talk!

And we talked a lot! That happens when you get two people–erm, troublemakers–together and let them loose on a conversation.

Note: I was wrong, Bradford did not name a son Miles after Miles Standish. I thought he had but… nope. Maybe it was a grandson… or maybe it was something I read in a book that was fictionalized. Who knows where I got the nutty idea, but hey.  Dave has the real dudes in his family tree, so woot!

Fool's Luck by [Dave Milbrandt]About Dave Milbrandt’s Fool’s Luck

“What an unexpected delight. The concept is fresh and original, the writing solid, the story – well, I’m still smiling.”
Thomas Locke, Bestselling Author

When high school teacher Myles Bradford wins the Powerball lottery, he decides to do something truly unexpected: run for President of the United States.

Bradford is eager about the opportunity, but his family clearly is not. With little time to sway them to his side, he’s thrust into running a quarter-billion-dollar nationwide campaign, complete with cross-country flights and road trips, expert staff, and armed security. But like most dreams, Bradford soon finds that what he imagined is completely different from what is real.

Thrust into the spotlight, he faces attacks from newfound political enemies and false accusations while striving to climb the ladder of success. As Bradford gets closer to achieving his dreams, danger lurks on the home front. As his attention is pulled farther away from the things that matter most, Bradford may learn that even success has its price.

Will he be able to have it all? Or will his thirst for power come at a tremendous cost?

You can find more of Dave Milbrandt and his works on his website, davemilbrandt.com

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 563: A Chat with Stephanie Mack
byChautona Havig

I always love a “What if?” story, and when I chatted with Stephanie Mack about her Twenty Something Else, I knew this would be an amazing one. Listen in and see what it’s all about.

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

Stephanie Mack sure seems to have a fun, unique voice, and I can’t wait to read all the books!

Twenty Something Else by Stephanie Mack

Sutton Layne is almost-forty and fabulous, with a happy marriage, three beautiful children, and a successful interior design business. But there’s plenty of chaos behind the scenes of early midlife. Her preteen son is going off the rails, her husband is bailing on the party he was supposed to throw her, and that thriving business? If she can’t land her next big client, it might all come crashing down. Then a surprise DM from someone in her past sends her spiraling into what-ifs. What if she settled down too young? Walked away from her big break? Never had her great adventure?

Despite her simmering mini-crisis, Sutton can’t wait for the birthday luncheon and pickleball tournament her friends have planned in her honor. But when an accident on the court knocks her out cold, she wakes up somewhere else . . . and is offered the chance to do it all over again. She can revisit her twenties―out of order and on her own terms. And this time around, anything goes: cities, careers, friendships. Even love.

Learn more on Stephanie’s WEBSITE and follow 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 563: A Chat with Stephanie Mack
Episode 563: A Chat with Stephanie Mack
July 25, 2026
Chautona Havig
Bonus Episode: A Chat with Becca Wierwille
July 21, 2026
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Episode 562: A Chat with Laura Thomas
July 20, 2026
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Episode 561: A Chat with Laura Frantz
July 18, 2026
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Episod 560: A Chat witih Melanie Dobson
July 13, 2026
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Episode 559: A Chat with Lisa Phillips
July 11, 2026
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Episode 558: A Chat with Felicia Hurd
July 6, 2026
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Episode 557: A Chat with Laura DeNooyer
July 4, 2026
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Episode 556: A Chat with Sharon Wilharm
June 29, 2026
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Episode 555: A Chat with Jil Koller
June 27, 2026
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