Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

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My First “Top Book” of 2021 Begins HERE!

The cover got me first.  It was "my" Madeline, but of course, no one could tell if they didn't know the photographer's work. So, combine WWI, poppies, and "my" Madeline... well, I had to read it, right?  Yeah. Among the Poppies (review here) by J'nell Ciesielski was the best debut novel I've ever Continue Reading

When Your Creativity Fails, Kill a Beloved Character:

Get your safety harness strapped on because this book will take you on a roller coaster ride of suspense, action, and all the feels. I’m talking about Jennifer Pierce’s, Deadly Connection, and today I’m talking with Jennifer Pierce herself! We talk about her love of fiction, her iffiness with Continue Reading

The World is Full of Depraved People

There's such a fine line between mental illness and the natural result of the depravity of man. The True Colors Crime Series sure does show the true colors in the hearts of men--black as coal and burning even hotter. I don't necessarily like being reminded of the ugliness out there, but I do Continue Reading

A Regency Christmas to Delight Your Heart

The cover of An Ivy Hill Christmas sold me. While my daughters are enormous fans of Julie Klassen, I had not read anything by her. However, the festive air of snow on hedges, evergreen boughs, a manor house, and a gentleman... well, who wouldn't be impressed? By the time the book arrived, I Continue Reading

Can We Create an Amazing Garden in the Desert?

Truth be told, I don't know. Some do. We have gorgeous gardens here in Ridgecrest (which is only an hour from Death Valley... just for reference). None of those gorgeous gardens have ever grown at our house, aside from that amazing crop of corn we had one year.  Usually, we are content to grow Continue Reading

Why This Is My Favorite Book of This Year!

Some books are "once-in-a-lifetime" books.  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of mine for reasons I talk about in THIS post. Recently, I read what for me has become another one. Bleak Landing In what feels like a delightful moment of happenstance, I saw it offered for just $1.99 on Amazon, and when Continue Reading

Join Us for an Exciting Christmas Scavenger Hunt

NOTE: This doesn't begin until December 6, 2020 at 6:00 Eastern. Until then, many links won't work. Merry Christmas! It's my turn on in this Christmas Round-Robin! Don't forget, each author asks a question at each blog stop. You will find the answers to these questions by checking out the free Continue Reading

I Love This Author’s Work but It Makes Me Uncomfortable

Why did I like the book?  The point-of-view character wasn't likeable (for a LONG time), made stupid choices, used language I didn't appreciate (not constantly but there were a few words here and there that made me squirm),  and basically made me uncomfortable. Of course, that was the point. By Continue Reading

Bookish Advent Giveaway: WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Bookish Advent Giveaway: Christmas Is in the Bag! WINNERS ANNOUNCED:  note: this is only part of the email, so it's possible that more than one person could have the same but not likely.  Your author will be emailing you to find out how to get you your prize! DAY 1: WINNER CHOSEN: Continue Reading

Anger and Rebellion Hide Hearts Full of Pain and Bitterness

Picture it.  July of 1982-1984. Somewhere in there. Arizona. Phoenix, no less.  In that little apartment on Osborn, just down from 7th Avenue. My grandmother lived there. While I recall visiting her at what I think was a mobile home in Ray, Arizona when I was two or three, that's all I remember.  Continue Reading

Are You Ready for a Few Happy Mishaps & Prizes?

This week, Mishaps off the Mainland released.  Seriously, guys. You want to check out this book about a sassy dog groomer, the dog that ran away, and the guy who ran away with her heart!  To celebrate launch week the authors got together and "groomed" our pets for a sort of online pet pageant. Continue Reading