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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Don’t You Just Love a Brilliant, Intriguing, and Surprising Synopsis!

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Debut author, Sarah Anne Crouch, takes us to the little town of Shady Springs, Arkansas and gives us a glimpse of hope, joy, faith, and love. via @chautonahavig

Debut author, Sarah Anne Crouch, takes readers on a journey to the town of Shady Springs, Arkansas and a church that is home to a handsome youth minister and the last place Madeleine Mullins wants to be.

We talk about the book, the series I want this book to kick off, and an upcoming novella collection next year. Add to that some of Sarah Anne’s favorite books and let’s just say I had a great time chatting with her!

 

Sarah Anne Crouch

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

Don’t You Just Love a Brilliant, Intriguing, and Surprising Synopsis!

One of the most delightful things about this book (before I read it anyway!) is an unexpected little twist in the synopsis.  Knowing that the main character has rejected God, this little line about how she helps someone else rekindle his love for his job takes it out of the predictable and into the delightful.

I had a blast discussing not only the synopsis with Sarah but also her characters.  Aunt Clara sounds awesome, and I can’t wait to meet her.  A.J. sounds like exactly what Madeliene needs to see where her view of the Lord is skewed, and I don’t know. I’m just a sucker for a character who is honest about his or her issues with God.  Too often authors (and I’m including me!) act like it’s not really a thing. We tend to focus on our unworthiness instead of maybe… just maybe… our idea that God isn’t worthy of us.  I don’t know if that’s Madeliene’s issue, but it kind of sounds like it.

I really need to read this book!

A Summer in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne CrouchA Summer in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch

The last place Madeleine Mullins wants to be is back in Shady Springs, Arkansas—the town where her whole world fell apart. But when her beloved Aunt Clara begs her for help, Madeleine reluctantly takes a job painting a mural at her aunt’s church. Her plan is to finish quickly and leave her bad memories behind. But the more time she spends with the handsome youth minister and the more she reads her Bible, the more she wonders if she has been wrong about God and the Church all along.

Three years out of college and A.J. Young still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. He knows he wants to settle down and build a family but hasn’t found the wife he’d like to share his life with. Then Madeleine comes to town. Their friendship buds quickly, although it can never be anything more as long as she isn’t a Christian.

An undeniable attraction grows between A.J. and Madeleine, but she’s only in town for a few weeks, and he can’t date someone who doesn’t share his beliefs. How can Madeleine help A.J. discover a passion for the career he’s always wanted? And how can A.J. convince Madeleine to give God and Shady Springs a second chance?

Readers can find out more about Sarah Anne Crouch on her WEBSITE.

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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
Episode 541: A Chat with Demi Griffin
May 11, 2026
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May 9, 2026
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Episode 539: A Chat with Jane Kirkpatrick
May 4, 2026
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Episode 538: A Chat with Elizabeth Goddard
May 2, 2026
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Episode 537: A Chat with Meg Calvin
May 1, 2026
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Episode 536: A Chat with Samantha Roman
April 27, 2026
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Episode 535: A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
April 25, 2026
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Episode 534: A Chat with Joanna Davidson Politano
April 20, 2026
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Episode 533: A Chat with Chawna Schroeder
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Episode 532: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn
April 13, 2026
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