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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Penelope’s Pursuit

by ·

Penelope’s Pursuit

Are mail-order-brides changing their minds or is something sinister going on in Kansas?

Mrs. Millie Crenshaw's selection process should ensure that her men and women have the best chance at a satisfactory (if not happy) lifetime together. If the rest of the world would just play by her rules, life would turn out just fine.

But they don't. And when young women go missing, one disappointed homesteader and a grieving young woman join forces to discover just where these brides-to-be are!

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About the Book

“Not your grandfather’s mail order bride.”

Ten years ago, Penelope’s sister ran away as a mail-order bride, and it was the last their family ever heard from her. Now, with their parents dead and Penelope all alone, the young woman has one goal. Find her sister.

It took enough grit for Reuben to write to Mrs. Mildred Crenshaw about finding him a wife in the first place, but when the train arrives and no bride steps off, the whole thing feels like a confidence scheme. Investigation, however, sends chills down his spine as he realizes women are leaving the east for the west but many never arrive at their destinations.

Is it any wonder that Penelope is livid with the man who abducts her from the clutches of her new friends and rides off into the sunset with her? Is his explanation reasonable? Can she convince him to help her find her sister? Can she trust him?

And is she about to fall in love with a homesteader on the untamed prairies of Kansas?

Publisher’s Warning: This book takes an honest look at human trafficking, opium dependence, and suicide in the “wild west.” While not graphic in their descriptions, readers should be aware that they are present. 

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Details
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Westward Home and Hearts
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Western
Tags: Historical, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Havilah Press Publications
Publication Year: 2021
ASIN: B0921KHWBV
ISBN: 9798745538667
List Price: 12.99
eBook Price: 4.99
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Other Books in the "Westward Home and Hearts"
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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 504: A Chat with Julie Klassen
byChautona Havig

When I read that Julie Klassen’s Whispers at Painswick Court was perfect for lovers of Austen and Agatha Christie, I knew this was the book for me, but the story of her visit to Painswick… yeah, sold me. Listen in to see why.

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

After talking to Julie, I’m now eager to read the book, of course, but I want to go to Painswick, preferably in a Tardis about three years back. Because, come on! Staying there? EEEP!

I’m also fascinated by the nursing book she mentioned, and will probably be checking that out as well.

I think my favorite part of our conversation was comparing just how similar the people in our “very different” worlds, only a couple of hundred years apart, are.

Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen

She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past–not danger and romance. Anne Loveday, a surgeon’s daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year. Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne’s sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia’s spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady’s maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit–and protect her heart–before it’s too late? Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this compelling Regency-era novel laced with intrigue, love, and English village charm for fans of historical romance and whodunit mysteries.

Learn more about Julie on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Don’t miss the Regency Facebook Group HERE!

Whispers at Painswick Court is available at 30% off with FREE US shipping from BakerBookHouse.com

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

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Episode 504: A Chat with Julie Klassen
Episode 504: A Chat with Julie Klassen
January 5, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 503: A Chat with Megan Soja
January 3, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 502: A Chat with Kelli Galyean
December 1, 2025
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Episode 501: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
November 30, 2025
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Episode 500: A Chat with Joy Crain
November 29, 2025
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Episode 499: A Chat with Jessica Wakefield
November 28, 2025
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Episode 498: A Chat with Sarah Hanks
November 27, 2025
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Episode 497: A Chat with Michael E. Cafferky
November 26, 2025
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Episode 496: A Chat with Marline Williams
November 25, 2025
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Episode 495: A Chat with Kay DiBianca
November 24, 2025
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