• 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
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

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

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Patriotism and Heroism and Why It Matters in a Book

by Challice Neipp · 9 Comments

Many know that I love a good heroic story. My friends swooned over C. Thomas Howell and John Stamos (I admit, I had to look them up to see if I could recognize any faces on friends’ walls!). They imagined themselves as Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink or Sweet Sixteen.

I memorized Patton’s speech, asked Dad to tell me the story of Sergeant York (Dad wasn’t a fan until York shot out the nest of German soldiers. Ahem), and swooned over Gary Cooper’s sacrifice in Beau Geste.

So, it shouldn’t be any wonder that I love “war fiction.” The War for Independence, World Wars I & II (sorry, the War Between the States breaks my heart in a different way and for so many reasons… don’t enjoy that fiction usually).

I hate the reality and the ugliness of it. I do. However, when a man is not only willing to die for the country he longs for his children to grow up in but also can say with what one assumes is full sincerity… “I have only one regret, that I have but one life to give for my country,” that means something. The guy was twenty-one, folks! My heart aches for the horrible beauty of it. It defines both patriotism and heroism in one brave act.

Of course, I wonder if he would have made the same choice for his God.

Is it any wonder, then, that when I had the chance to review the third book in the Revolutionary Faith Series, Bring Me Near, I requested a copy immediately? Yeah, I didn’t think so.Bring Me Near Book Review

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

Patriotism and Heroism and Why It Matters in a Book

Marguerite Martin Gray takes a world that we only see dimly in textbooks and brings it to life on the pages of this series. As it should be, each book gets better—almost exponentially so. Bring Me Near is my favorite, but I have every hope that she’ll replace it with another favorite… and another.

One can hope, right? Please? If I bake cookies while you write?

In Bring Me Near , the characters grow stronger, richer, and more complex. Even when you’re annoyed with them, it’s because they’re so true-to-life. Seeing a Frenchman become so invested in America’s beginnings, and seeing the same events from several colonists’ sides brings to life so many facets of the war.

If you love intrigue, you’ll find it. Secrecy? Oh, yeah. Torn allegiances? What about brave young boys and surprisingly good markswomen? Yep. Them, too.

The plot has depth, both politically and spiritually. You see growth in more than just the main characters and in more than just from the last book. Even as this book progresses, you get a sense of how time changes people.

The most unlikely people become heroes among the patriots of Charles Town in 1775—heroes because they become willing to make the difficult decisions to do what they believe to be right, regardless of personal cost. Regardless of fear.

That is a hero in my book.

I only noticed very minor elements that I had trouble with in past books—so minor that I can’t even remember what they were. It feels like there was a minor theological quibble. Maybe? I don’t know.

What I do know is there just isn’t much to complain about in Bring Me Near . Perhaps it’s due to the author’s personal writing growth, perhaps it’s the nature of the story, or perhaps I just enjoyed myself so much that I didn’t notice. And you know what? I don’t care which it is. That’s right. I don’t care. Because when you make me love a book, that’s all that counts. I loved it. And I’m stinkin’ bummed that I have to wait for another.

Why do patriotism and heroism matter in a book?  I’d say because they matter in real life. These people suffered and died for the cause of freedom.  That matters. After all, Jesus suffered and died to procure our freedom.

Share389
Pin
Tweet
Email
389Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
389Shares

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « Will Leaving Darkness Offer You Hope?
Next Post: The Things That Change In 75 Years Will Capture Your Heart »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Comments

  1. Debbie Clatterbuck says

    March 3, 2019 at 7:51 am

    I am the opposite of you Chautona. I like the Civil War era, but not so much WW1 or 2. I am intrigued by this book, though and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone.

    Reply
  2. Vivian Furbay says

    March 2, 2019 at 4:14 am

    I would enjoy reading this book as i like historical fiction.

    Reply
  3. Emma says

    March 1, 2019 at 6:08 pm

    This sounds like a good book! Sometime when I “need” a new book I’ll have to look up this author.

    Reply
  4. Dianna says

    February 28, 2019 at 5:20 pm

    I love historical fiction but tend to skip war stories. The battles just don’t interest me at all; they make me so sad and heartbroken! This one sounds interesting for the historical background.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      March 2, 2019 at 2:30 am

      That’s what I love about this series. It’s not just another battle story. So far, there aren’t really battles. I suspect maybe the next will have a bit more.

      Reply
  5. Caryl Kane says

    February 28, 2019 at 4:04 pm

    I enjoy historical fiction and I’m excited to read this one!

    Reply
  6. Marguerite Gray says

    February 28, 2019 at 1:59 pm

    Thank you so much! I’m in the middle of writing Book Four. I hope it is pleasing to my readers. I appreciate your honestly. Blessings, Marguerite

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      February 28, 2019 at 2:17 pm

      you really knocked this one out of the park. I’m so excited for book 4!

      Reply
  7. Amelia says

    February 28, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
byChautona Havig

Nothing says fairy tale like a sweet western romance by an author like Karen Witemeyer… unless it’s a fairytale retelling set in Texas in the late 19th century, right?  Fairest of Heart takes the familiar “Snow White” and turns it on its head with retired cowboys, a self-absorbed actress, a Texas Ranger, and a sweet girl who knows the true Source of her beauty.  Listen in to see all the genius Easter eggs Witemeyer planted in this book.

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

Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart

I fell in love with the cover of Karen Witemeyer’s Head Over Heels a few years back (only to learn it’s much older than that, even), and meant to read that book.  I didn’t.  #BecauseIdiot. Well, that’ll be rectified just as soon as I’m done listening to her first book in a trilogy of fairytale retellings. I loaded it up on my Audible app tonight and wheeeeeeee. Here I go! So much for no new books until October. HA! 

Karen talks about her heart for young women today and how they’re taught by every bit of media blasting at them that they need to use their bodies to get what they need or want when the Lord has a better plan. And I can’t guarantee it, but I strongly suspect she does it without preaching. SQUEE!

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

You can learn more about Karen Witemeyer and her books on her WEBSITE. Don’t forget the book is 30% off on BakerBookHouse.com.  

Follow Karen on BookBub and GoodReads.

And don’t forget her Posse Group on Facebook.

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

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
Episode 265: A Chat with Karen Witemeyer
September 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 264: A Chat with Romance Author, Sarah Monzon
September 26, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 263: A Chat about The Love Script w/ Toni Shiloh
September 23, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 262: Chatting about The Legacy of Longdale Manor with Carrie Turansky
September 19, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 261: Chatting with Christian Youth Fiction Author, Candice Yamnitz
September 15, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 260: A Chat with Rachel Hauck
September 12, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 259: A Chat with Debut Author, Laura Conaway
September 8, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 258: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember
September 2, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 257: A Chat with Fantasy Author, N. Ford
September 1, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 256: A Chat about Summer in the Spotlight w/ Liz Johnson
August 29, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Would Make a Tropical Vacation More Exciting? Find Out!
  • Sometimes All a Girl Needs Is a True Change of Heart
  • How Does an Intense Christmas Competition Lead to Love?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Just another hour... Tea is Pumpkin Masala Chai fr Just another hour...
Tea is Pumpkin Masala Chai from Marcella's Enchanted Cottage and blueberry cinnamon roll courtesy of #6daughter
, @andralane0129 
#AmReading 
#AnnetoberReadAThon 
@teri_blake_author 
#womensfiction
Yum... seriously the best beef ever. So glad we go Yum... seriously the best beef ever. So glad we got some,  but so many missed out. 
Thanks @robsogbbq
Instagram post 18282011413151971 Instagram post 18282011413151971
If you haven't read Seek and Hide by @amandagsteve If you haven't read Seek and Hide by @amandagstevens , stop everything and order this book. Then schedule dinner delivery the day it arrives and dive in. Chilling,  inspiring,  and proof that Amanda is a stellar Storyteller.
#AmReading 
#ChristFic
Reposted from @beccawierwille Less than one month Reposted from @beccawierwille Less than one month until release day for Road Trip Rescue! 🚘 🐶 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 24 to help me celebrate sending this story into the world. 

Also, prepare for more posts than normal. I’m excited to launch this book. 🥳
I think the moon is embracing autumn, too. I think the moon is embracing autumn,  too.
Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Woot! Happy release Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Woot! Happy release day, @lovereadwriterepeat
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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