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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Out of the Clear Montana Skye with Sylvia Stewart

by Chautona Havig · 4 Comments

Hey there!  Back with another Wonderland Wednesday celebrating the release of Wonderland Wishes, a collection of seven never-before-released Christmas “noellas!”  Today’s victim… er, I mean guest… is Sylvia Stewart, the author of Montana Skye, the final book in the collection.

I absolutely LOVE the cover of Sylvia’s book, and the premise kept me interested as well.  Can’t wait to read it now that I’m FINALLY caught up on so many other things.  WOOHOO!

To break the ice, I gave her a couple of random questions and then dove into a bit about Montana Skye.  Let’s see what she says!

Out of the Clear Montana Skye with Sylvia Stewart

Note: links in this post may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you!

Let’s get on with this interview!

What is your favorite Christmas song/carol and why?

I love all the Christmas songs. However, I think “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is meaningful to me because of the bright hope it portrays—“For in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.” There are a lot of dark streets in our lives these days.

That’s a big truth packed into a little song.  I always have a hard time answering that one myself.  I like to sing “We Three Kings” but I think “What Child Is This” is my favorite.  I think.

Battle of the classic Christmas movies… It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Why?

I like them both. Having grown up in Africa, without access to movies and other media, I didn’t see either one of them until I was an adult. Even then, I haven’t seen either one of them very often.
My current favorite Christmas movie is “While You Were Sleeping.” It is modern, fun and poignant.

Am I the only one who is dying to know more about her growing up in Africa???

What new-to-you author are you just itching to try?

I recently read a novel by Jeanette Windle. She knows her South America very well, and the suspense is keen with the romantic plot in the background.

I’m eager to read Lisa Wingate’s novel, Before We Were Yours. It’s moving up into high recognition, and I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for abandoned children.

Oooh… has anyone read anything by Jeannette Windle?  I’ve not heard of her.  And who has read Lisa Wingate’s novel? I like Lisa!

Of the characters in Montana Skye, which one will we love the most?

Both Skye and Shell, the main characters, have gone through adversity with determination to forge ahead in life. They both have “can do” attitudes and the will to move each of their lives into a better place.

You’ll want to give Johnny hugs. He’s a winsome five-year-old who likes “hangabers,” “busghetti,” and horses.

Emma, Johnny’s mother, will tug at your heartstrings. She loves her son so much.

And Mack! Like Mack, we’ve all done some stupid and hurtful things, but Mack’s willing to change and make the efforts right his wrongs.

I hope you’ll like them all.

Well, let’s face it.  Any book with a Mack (or Mac) is gonna be a favorite of mine.  I do love characters with “Can Do” attitudes as well.  WOOHOO! Besides, that fits the rugged independence you find in the more western states like Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana!

Will your novella for Wonderland Wishes make us laugh, cry, both?

Montana Skye is filled with scenes that will make you tear up, and also scenes of gentle humor. I hope my readers will both laugh and cry.

Of course, considering how rarely I cry, if you can manage that, I’ll be impressed.  But boy, am I glad I’ll laugh, too!  WOOT!

If you’d like to learn more about Sylvia and her books, you can follow her on:

  • Facebook
  • Facebook Author page
  • Twitter
  • Goodreads

There we are, folks!  To read the previous posts, go here:

  • Lynnette Bonner’s
  • Jan Cline’s
  • Lesley Ann McDaniel’s

And stay tuned for next week when I review Kathleen Freeman’s Wish Upon a Christmas Star! 

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Filed Under: Guest Post, New Release

Previous Post: « When the Unexpected Delights You with Its Uniqueness
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Comments

  1. B says

    November 9, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours is A-mazing! Have to read it and Montana Skye ? Loved them both!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 9, 2017 at 5:52 pm

      On the list! Thanks!

      Reply
  2. Lynnette says

    November 9, 2017 at 9:39 am

    I enjoyed this story. One of Sylvia’s best.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      November 9, 2017 at 5:53 pm

      Can’t wait to read it. Kathleen’s first! (Since I have to write a review next week…)

      Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

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Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
byChautona Havig

 Oh, wow.  When I read the synopsis for House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I knew this was going to be a fabulous book.  Forget all the endorsements and starred reviews, listen in to hear just how awesome this book is!  

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

When Margaret described the story within House of Honor, I not only learned a lot of art history, but I got a taste of Italy (sadly, without pasta and gelato… sniff). I can’t wait to see what she coes up with next.

 House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Two Italian sons, one woman, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.

As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they’re willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything.

House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.

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

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