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

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • New & Coming
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! 

Share87
Pin
Post
Email
90Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
90Shares

Filed Under: Guest Post, New Release

Previous Post: « When the Unexpected Delights You with Its Uniqueness
Next Post: Just What Makes Troublemakers So Crazy Charming, Anyway? »

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. 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

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 602: A Chat with Paul Headworth
byChautona Havig

Christians are fond of saying that Christ has already defeated Satan, but sometimes, it sure doesn’t seem like it. Listen in as I chat with Paul Headworth about his novel exploring this in his book, Prophetic Redemption.

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

Headworth focuses on the difficulties of cases and what happens when things go wrong. By the time we got done talking, I knew I’d have to read it.

Prophetic Redemption by Paul Headworth

This special novel is geared for the believer and nonbeliever, providing an engaging murder mystery while sowing many positive and possibly life-changing messages.

A judge from the 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Publishing Book Award cited, “The masterful use of suspense is key to maintaining reader engagement and greatly enhances the story’s captivating appeal. Additionally, the rich character motivations and development, especially evident in Charlie’s relentless pursuit of justice for his wife and son, alongside Paul’s transformative journey, render these characters both believable and relatable. Moreover, this book defies the stereotype that inspirational works lack depth. Instead of burdening readers with recipes, it proves that such books can be emotionally resonant and deeply thought-provoking.”

Learn more on Paul’s WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • YouTube
  • and more!
Episode 602: A Chat with Paul Headworth
Episode 602: A Chat with Paul Headworth
November 9, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 601: A Chat with Glenn Patrick O’Turner
November 7, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 600: A Chat with JPC Allen
November 2, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 599: A Chat with Frank McKinney
October 31, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode : A Chat with L.J. Long
October 28, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 597: A Chat with Alison Treat
October 26, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 596: A Chat with Katheen Rouser
October 24, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 595: A Chat with Jeremiah Friedli
October 21, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 594: A Chat with Joy Crain
October 19, 2026
Chautona Havig
Episode 593: A Chat with Thomas Goodman
October 17, 2026
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Dying to Read

Dying to Read

Take Cover

Take Cover

CrossWords

CrossWords

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Over halfway there! 🎉✨ I just crossed the 50,000-w Over halfway there! 🎉✨ I just crossed the 50,000-word mark on Dear Uncle Nick, and you know what that means… it’s time to open Box 4 of my Archer & Olive Advent Box! 🎁
Nothing motivates a writer quite like a stationery treat every 5,000 words. Just like an Advent calendar builds anticipation for Christmas morning, each little box gets me one step closer to bringing this 1934 farming community and their heartwarming advice column to your bookshelf on Black Friday! 🎄✍️
There’s no preorder for this one, so we are counting down the days and words together until launch day.
👇 Your turn: At 55,000 words, I get to open Box 5! Leave your best guess in the comments—what stationery surprise do you think is hiding inside next? 🖊️📓
#DearUncleNick #ChristFic #ChristianFiction #HistoricalFiction #ChristmasBooks #1930sFiction #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #BookLaunch #ArcherAndOlive #CozyReads
G'night! G'night!
When Mom makes pepper jack bread and you butter an When Mom makes pepper jack bread and you butter and fry it. Yum.
With 45,000 words "on the page," it’s time to cele With 45,000 words "on the page," it’s time to celebrate with Box #3! 🎁☕

I am officially halfway through writing my upcoming historical Christmas novel, Dear Uncle Nick! Writing this story—which centers around a cozy, small-town advice column in a 1934 farming community—has been such an encouragement even to me!
To keep my momentum going so this book is ready for you by Black Friday, I’m treating myself to a little joy: opening a beautiful @ArcherandOlive Advent Box "gift" every time I complete 5,000 words. 45K means Box 3 is officially MINE! But now how to use this amazing journal? HELP!
Because this book releases on Black Friday without a preorder, I’d love for you to follow along here so you don’t miss the release day announcement. Your prayers and encouragement mean so much to me (and to Eddie Morten--I'm sure of it!)
#DearUncleNick #HistoricalFiction #ChristianFiction #ChristmasNovels #InspirationalFiction #AmWriting #CozyReads #BlackFridayRelease #HistoricalChristmas #AuthorLife #ArcherAndOlive
Dear Uncle Nick, Our town has a lot of people in n Dear Uncle Nick,
Our town has a lot of people in need—no mistake about that.
We can’t meet them all, but we can do what we can to help.
Everyone loves a good box social, but that can be expensive, especially this time of year.
I propose a “dessert social.” We apply the same premise, but the boxes only hold enough dessert for two. Penny bids can be augmented by work or other goods. Folks can even buy the “augments.”
What do you think?
Hungry for cinnamon rolls!

Ever heard of a box social? 📦✨ In 1934, during the height of the Great Depression, communities had to get creative to help neighbors in need.
This "unprinted letter" from the archives of my upcoming historical Christmas novel, Dear Uncle Nick, shows the exact heartbeat of a small farming town trying to survive winter with a little sweetness and a lot of grit.
✍️ The Question: If you were bidding on a dessert box for two tonight... what dessert would you hope is inside? Let me know in the comments!
#HistoricalFiction #AuthorLife #DearUncleNick #FountainPen #1930s #ChristmasNovel #ChristFic #HistoricalRomance #BookReels
Awesome movie. Don't remember a single foul word, Awesome movie. Don't remember a single foul word,  despite rough subjects and scenes. Well done.
#jimmymovie
Writing with white gel ink on kraft paper just hit Writing with white gel ink on kraft paper just hits different. 🖊️🤎
I’m currently sitting at 42k+ words for Dear Uncle Nick, plotting a storyline that is giving me all the feels.
Meet our Banker dude. He can handle the town's finances under the pressure of the Great Depression, but put him in a social setting and he completely freezes up. He is incredibly shy. But winter is coming, and he's being pressured into a marriage of convenience to save his late friend's daughter from the freezing 1934 streets. ❄️💍
Despite his quiet, protective pining and our main couple's semi-secret admirer flirting through the newspaper columns, this book is more than just romance. It's a huge found family of cast that I'm loving.
Only a few thousand words left until the 45k milestone and Box #3! Let’s go! ⌨️✨
#archerandolive #writinggoals #historicalromance #blackfridayrelease #writingprocess #cozyvibes #stationery
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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