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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 520: A Chat with R. M. Ruiz
byChautona Havig

I love R. M. Ruiz’s passion for Jesus and good, uplifting and encouraging fiction for kids. Listen in as we learn how the Chosen Kids go to New York for their next mission.

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

We chatted about the books, of course, and how each one has its own focus–the kids and the missions and the locations. I can’t wait for this one.

The Chosen Kids Encounter at Mahattan: by R. M. Ruiz

The Chosen Kids return for a new mission!

In Book Four of The Chosen Kids Saga, the kids embark on a new operation filled with wonder, suspense, and heartwarming moments. One where they come to understand what it means to be Christ-like in an unfriendly world.

A shadow is creeping over the Big Apple.

For their latest mission, the Chosen Kids are sent into the heart of New York to rescue a missing loved one. When the family discovers the evil being that holds the key, they follow the creature through the concrete jungle in hopes that it leads them to its captive. Fascinated by the colorful sights and sounds of Manhattan, Caiden and the kids struggle to stay focused. Except the city isn’t all it seems, and trouble pops up wherever they go. With time running out, and no sign of their lost person, the family changes tactics and soon uncovers the fiend’s identity and its diabolical scheme. Following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the Kids set a bold plan into action. But if they don’t hold fast to the truth of Jesus, they could fall prey to the monster’s wicked tricks, and the key to their mission will be lost.

Grab a copy for your young believer to continue the redemptive journey today.

Learn more about the series, the characters, and Rosemary at TheChosenKids.com and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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

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  • and more!
Episode 520: A Chat with R. M. Ruiz
Episode 520: A Chat with R. M. Ruiz
March 2, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 519: A Chat with Carrie Brownell
February 28, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 518: A Chat with Ashlyn McKayla Ohm
February 23, 2026
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Episode : A Chat with Rume Emma-Okerhe
February 21, 2026
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Episode 516: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
February 16, 2026
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Episode 515: A Chat with Heather Tabers
February 14, 2026
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Episode 514: A Chat with Deborah Clack
February 9, 2026
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Episode 513: A Chat with Amber Gabriel
February 7, 2026
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Episode 512: A Chat with Tim Bishop
February 2, 2026
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Episode 511: A Chat with Tessa Afshar
January 31, 2026
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CrossWords has thrived for over fifty years, and Shiloh Scott runs it with equal parts Scripture, encouragement, and wholehearted hugs. So when she moves the store to a new location, she expects shelving chaos.
She does not expect to learn her nephew is done with Jesus.
It's time! CrossWords is coming March 9, 2026 UNLESS you want an early copy. Then zip on over to Christian Books & Gifts in Greeneville, TN on March 7, 2026 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.! We're having a FUN launch party to celebrate the store that inspired the story! (I just love that "store" is in the word "story. Sort of.) Thanks to @christianbookandgiftgrv for allowing me to "write lies about you." ;)
The audiobook chapters are already releasing on @ChristaDelSorbo 's YouTube channel!
Preorder here!  https://amzn.to/4b46lEl (Affiliate link!)
#KindleUnlimited
#KindlePreorder
#ChristFic
#Bookstrings
#BookishBooks
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