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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Some Say Opposites Attract, but Do They Really?

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

Blessings in the Bargain released on Tuesday, and guys... this book. You have GOT to read this book. It's my favorite Trumbo book!) via @chautonahavig

The question threw me for a loop. “Do you have a friend who is your opposite but you just love them?” I didn’t (and still don’t) know how to answer her. My friend Teresa is crazy outgoing and gregarious. I’m naturally shy. So… sure. We’re opposites. But we have most things in common. The same is true of my friend since junior high, my husband, and even the other islands authors.

It kind of makes sense, though. Doesn’t it? If you are exactly like your friend in every way, one of you is probably redundant. If you’re completely opposite in every way, then what do you have in common? And if you have nothing in common at all…  Get my drift?

But what I want to point out is that while spending time with people like ourselves might be more comfortable, those people who challenge us to get out of our comfort zones (staying home instead of going out or vice versa, having a party when you’d rather people go away… whatever)… Those people make life richer. And I, for one, am grateful for them.

blessings in the bargain trumbo

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

Some Say Opposites Attract, but Do They Really?

What’s the deal with the friends and the opposites and the samesies?

Well, Kari Trumbo’s latest (and last… sniffles) Independence Islands book, Blessings in the Bargain, released this week, and since there’s definitely an opposites attract (plus May/December) romance, Kari asked the question, and here’s my answer.  It’s not all that exciting, but really… I could tell you about how my friend never believed I was shy until she introduced me to a friend of hers in Walmart and then couldn’t understand why I wasn’t talking.  I didn’t need to. “But you weren’t shy with me!”

Newsflash. Outgoing, gregarious people often drag shy people into friendships with no idea that they go home later and suck their thumbs in the fetal position. Yeah… Teresa figured that out.

It was good for me, though.  So is having a friend who is much more sensitive than I’ll ever be, having one who needs lots of affirmation, having one who needs lots of “outings.”  Things like this stretch me and help me be more sympathetic to others’ needs. And that’s a good thing!

Blessings in the Bargain by Kari Trumbo

Despite a career in logistics, Courtney is unprepared to get lost at sea…

A fated trip to the docks with her closest pal Annie leads to disaster. Ship Captain Lex Ford agrees to take Courtney and two of her friends on what was to be a quick trip to test a new boat. A dangerous storm traps them against a reef, damaging communications and stranding them at sea.Blessings in the Bargain Kari Trumbo

Lex knew this was a bad idea…

He hated having people on his ship with him. Ever since his partner left, he doesn’t share his life with anything but the seagulls. So, when Courtney’s friend Rafe offers him a deal on a new boat, he’d rather ignore the offer.

His heart isn’t ready for how he feels about Courtney, and watching her brave the elements after the storm makes him want to protect her. But the last woman he loved just walked away. And what about their age gap? He’s far older than her. The Lord is good at turning bad situations for good, but can even He make this mess right?

This Breakers Head novel is Kari Trumbo’s final novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Check out the other authors’ websites for their friendship stories AND… to get entries in to their giveaways!

Kari Trumbo: September 27
Rachel Skatvold: September 28
Tabitha Bouldin: September 29
Carolyn Miller: September 30
Chautona Havig: October 1
Melissa Wardwell: October 2
Sandy Barela: October 3

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 547: A Chat with Terri McAdoo
byChautona Havig

Don’t know about you, but even the title of Tattooed Woman at the Well screams, “Sign me up!” I mean, that’s pretty riveting, wouldn’t you say? Listen in and see why Terri McAdoo’s book won the Genesis Award!

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

Okay, so trucks? Not my thing. Tattoos? Not my thing. This story? Man, I NEED TO READ THIS. Because this is totally my thing. I don’t know why it’s giving me contemporary The Count of Monte Cristo vibes, but it is.

Tattooed Woman at the Well by Terri McAdoo

A tale of revenge, resilience, and redemption awaits in Terri McAdoo’s Tattooed Woman at the Well. Step into the world of Bleu Yarbro, a tough-as-nails truck driver on a mission to right the wrongs of her past. Across America’s highways, Bleu navigates an unpredictable landscape of bullies, thugs, and heartache. Her only solace is the rooftop garden where she grows irises in memory of her beloved grandpa. But as Bleu’s quest for vengeance consumes her, she must confront the ultimate choice: Will she rise above revenge or sink under its weight? Buckle up for a fun and dangerous ride through the world of truck driving, tattooing, and temptation. With unlikely heroes and despicable villains at every turn, Tattooed Woman at the Well will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Can Bleu find redemption on the open road, or will her past catch up with her? Fans of gritty, character-driven novels won’t want to miss this stunning debut from award-winning author Terri McAdoo.

Learn more on Terri’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub.

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Episode 547: A Chat with Terri McAdoo
Episode 547: A Chat with Terri McAdoo
June 1, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 546: A Chat with Chuck Richardson
May 30, 2026
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Episode 545: A Chat with Gina Holder
May 25, 2026
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Episode 544: A Chat with Nicholas Teeguarden
May 23, 2026
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Episode 543: A Chat with Stephanie Cardel
May 19, 2026
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Episode 542: A Chat with Megan Schaulis
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Episode 541: A Chat with Demi Griffin
May 11, 2026
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Episodd 540: A Chat with Dana Mentink
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For example, while writing Meddlin' Madeline, I al For example, while writing Meddlin' Madeline, I always play @AdamGSwanson on YouTube so I can stay in touch with her favorite music: Ragtime (I still have CDs of his to use for giveaways with Looks Can Kill. Must get that written. Stay tuned for more about THAT.
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