• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

My (not so) Brilliant Answers to the Cool Bookish Podcast Tag

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Nicole and the Undending TBR over on Instagram tagged me in the Bookish Podcast Tag and I went for it. Here are my not-so-Brilliant replies! via @chautonahavig

Well, this hasn’t happened before, but I got tagged in Nicole and the Unending TBR’s Bookish Podcast Tag and… talking about books? Ones I liked? Ones I wanted to see in different media? Ones…  ALL THE YEAHs!

So, listen in to find out which villain I want to chuck on a desert island, which I’d take on a reading retreat, what I want to see as a mini-series and more!

Bookish Podcast Tag

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

My (not so) Brilliant Answers to the Cool Bookish Podcast Tag

Here goes! I’m excited. I hope

When a Unique Premise Really Is Enough The Kingdom of Ruins by DC Marino YA fantasy1. If you had a time machine and could go into the future to grab one highly anticipated book, which one would you choose?

The next book in the Kingdom of Ruins series. That was my first thought. Second to that since it’s not a well-known book (but it should be), I’d say whatever David Rawlings is working on (He’d better be working on something).  If not that, then a sequel/spin-off to the Rembrandt Stone series.

2. You win a luxurious weeklong quiet reading retreat, what are the first 5 books you will pack?

Impossible. Seriously, it was impossible to decide, so I went into both my room and my shed-i-ffice, closed my eyes, and grabbed books.
Marigolds for Mourning by Audrey Stallsmith,
Shallows by Denver Evans (Perry Kirkpatrick)
Amberwell by D.E. Stevenson
Emma and the Reasons by Natasha Metzler
The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

And then even if I bring no other books with me… I have a stuffed Kindle and I’m not afraid to read it!

3. A book outside your comfort zone but you are glad you read.

Love and the Dream Come True by Tammy L. Gray– Up until the final chapter or two, this was a three-star read for me, but it all came together in a marvelous way at the end there, and I really connected with it finally.

Honestly, the way Tammy Gray pulled all those pieces that I didn’t always like together really shows what a brilliant writer she is. The deep-rooted faith she plants into her books doesn’t always push through the top of the soil quickly, but when it does, it’s strong and supportive and so very healthy. Well done, Ms. Gray. What you did here is so important. It teaches some serious truths without you realizing it’s happening until WHAM! You’re on your face before God and yielding things you didn’t know you’d taken back.

A soothing hug for the broken and a cattle prod at the same time.

4. What genre needs more representation?

I’m going to say… “general.” Everything is so niched these days—even subgenres have subgenres with subgenres! What about a good, old-fashioned story that doesn’t have to fit in a box?

5. What trope needs more representation?

If it existed, I’d say reinventing yourself + humor. But it doesn’t. So how about a romance trope…  Basically, Enemies-to-FRIENDS ONLY.

6. You could maroon one villain/nemesis on a desert island, who would it be?

Jadis from Narnia. I think it would be hilarious for her to be on a DESERT island—heat and misery. On a desert island.

7. What book did you not really think you would like and ended up loving?

Kari Trumbo’s first book in the Independence Islands series, Secret Beach Boyfriend. I mean, that title says fluffy nonsense to me. But it was so rich and so full of encouragement… depth of faith and relationships. I was sooooo impressed.

8. What fictional pet would you want for your own?

Well… of my books, Atticus. Totally. But for someone else’s… I’d say Teri Blake’s bunny… Duggy in The Rosewood Diary. I love that little guy. Her Driftwood Bay women’s fiction series is AWESOME.

9. What book did you love when you were younger and now question your younger self’s taste?

Um… I really loved reading Lois Duncan books. What was I not thinking?

10. Name a book for each category to be adapted into a:
  • Movie: Out of North Korea by Alana Terry—picture Castaway… but in a North Korean prison or Sweet Rivals by Kari Trumbo (she’s really represented in this podcast, isn’t she?) OR… totally different direction, A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus.
  • TV show: The Mrs. Pollifax books!!! Or, since this is about Christian fiction, how about Perry Kirkpatrick’s The Accidental Case Files of Emily Abbott?
  • the accidental cases of Emily Abbott
  • Miniseries: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone. Okay, I could choose so many so… I think Terrie Todd’s Bleak Landing (THIS episode is about it) would make an excellent one for a more historical fiction series?
  • Broadway play: Dear Henry, Love Edith—but only if they make a musical. Can you imagine a song for the epi-pen that pops up on a startling basis?
11. What fictional family would make the best reality show?

I want Anne Shirley Blythe’s family—all those kids.  Reality. MMMWWWAAAHAHAHA

Dear Henry, Love Edith Becca Kinzer12. What was the last book that made you cry? Laugh?

Laughing hard?  I’m going with Dear Henry, Love Edith. I HOWLED through that book. So hysterical.

Cry? This is going to sound so weird, but if I was a crier, I’d say Stephanie Landsem’s Code Name Edelweiss. Because I see those same things happening in some ways now. And it terrifies me.

13. What author could you talk about for 3+ hours straight?

Cathe Swanson… and I have!

14. What book would you want to write?:

If I could write any book that I wanted to right now this minute, it would be… the concentration camp thing.
.
That’s it! What would your responses be to some of them? I’m sure once I see it, I’ll change my mind about them. #becauseme

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Share
Pin
Post
Email
Share
Pin
Post
Email

Filed Under: Because Fiction Podcast

Previous Post: « Are You Eager for This Thrilling, Suspenseful New Series?
Next Post: When Fans Want More Exciting Stories, Smart Authors Listen and Deliver! »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

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
Chautona Havig
Episode 562: A Chat with Laura Thomas
July 20, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 561: A Chat with Laura Frantz
July 18, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episod 560: A Chat witih Melanie Dobson
July 13, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 559: A Chat with Lisa Phillips
July 11, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 558: A Chat with Felicia Hurd
July 6, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 557: A Chat with Laura DeNooyer
July 4, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 556: A Chat with Sharon Wilharm
June 29, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 555: A Chat with Jil Koller
June 27, 2026
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Take Cover

Take Cover

CrossWords

CrossWords

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Tait Stedtmann just wanted a nice quiet life, pref Tait Stedtmann just wanted a nice quiet life, preferably with a wife and a few kids. He didn't plan on an unwanted roommate and a deal to adopt her baby. Life as a single dad of an infant? Rough. He needs help. Actually, some say he needs a wife. If it worked for Bentley...
Tempting Tait: He has convictions about abortion, and now it's time to put his life where his stance on life is.
https://amzn.to/3TrUTNr #affiliatelink
#ChristFic
#ContemporaryChristianRomance
#ProLife
#KindleUnlimited
It's her last Christmas with her favorite person i It's her last Christmas with her favorite person in the world. All he wants for Christmas? A second-chance romance between Joanie and Jesus... oh, and Geoff. Simple, right? But how do you tell a man like Uncle Bud it can't be done? You don't. You trust Jesus and get to work. The first book in the Independence Islands: The Book Barrow, Christmas on Breakers Point is available in print, Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited), and audiobook (listen free on YouTube. Search Christa DelSorbo). https://amzn.to/3ReBgrr #affiliatelink
#ChristianFiction
#ChristianRomance
#ChristmasFiction
He's the world's most recent billionaire. She's ju He's the world's most recent billionaire. She's just glad he lives on the other side of the world. Their "paper marriage" makes both their lives easier. Until he shows up on her... um, that is HIS doorstep, injured and with his net worth significantly reduced. She doesn't trust men. He's sick to death of fawning women. And now they're stranded together in the family mansion alone. Mostly. There is the cat. Zyrtec.
Book two of the Independence Islands: The Book Barrow series, Dual Power of Convenience includes a contemporary marriage of convenience combined with a semi billionaire romance. Available in print, on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited), as well as audio (which is also free on YouTube on Christa DelSorbo's channel). https://amzn.to/3SDXwvd #affiliatelink
#ChristFic
#ContemporaryChristianRomance
She just wants a chance to film helping restore th She just wants a chance to film helping restore the islands in the wake of a hurricane. He just wants to keep his job when the islanders find out they're going to be on TV. This loathe to love romance includes a found dog, a found family, and a bit of a mystery, too. Book four of the Independence Islands: The Book Barrow series, Flipping Hearts is available in print, on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited), as well as audio (which is also free on YouTube on Christa DelSorbo's channel). https://amzn.to/3R6OcQ6 #Affiliatelink
#ChristFic
#ContemporaryChristianRomance
#KindleUnlimited
Bible Study can be life changing. Just ask Bentley Bible Study can be life changing. Just ask Bentley. Okay, so maybe her conclusions about how we glorify God might be a bit extreme, but no one can argue that it worked out well for her. Proposing to a guy she's not in love with (yet!)? Not easy, but no one said living to the glory of God would be easy, right?
Book one in the Marriages of Conviction series, Blessing Bentley explores one woman's approach to a happy marriage--start with God!
https://amzn.to/4prbRYd (#affiliatelink)
#ChristianFiction
#ContemporaryChristianRomance
#MarriageOfConvenience
#KindleUnlimited
Bible Study can be life changing. Just ask Bentley Bible Study can be life changing. Just ask Bentley. Okay, so maybe her conclusions about how we glorify God might be a bit extreme, but no one can argue that it worked out well for her. Proposing to a guy she's not in love with (yet!)? Not easy, but no one said living to the glory of God would be easy, right?
Book one in the Marriages of Conviction series, Blessing Bentley explores one woman's approach to a happy marriage--start with God!
https://amzn.to/4prbRYd (#affiliatelink)
#ChristianFiction
#ContemporaryChristianRomance
#MarriageOfConvenience
#KindleUnlimited
Tait Stedtmann just wanted a nice quiet life, pref Tait Stedtmann just wanted a nice quiet life, preferably with a wife and a few kids. He didn't plan on an unwanted roommate and a deal to adopt her baby. Life as a single dad of an infant? Rough. He needs help. Actually, some say he needs a wife. If it worked for Bentley...
Tempting Tait: He has convictions about abortion, and now it's time to put his life where his stance on life is.
https://amzn.to/3TrUTNr #affiliatelink
#ChristFic
#ContemporaryChristianRomance
#ProLife
#KindleUnlimited
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!