• 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
  • Bonus
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

“Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

Conversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray released on Tuesday and the authors are chatting about chatty mishaps. OOPS! via @chautonahavig

It started out innocently enough. Just silly playfulness between my mother and me.

Now, before I tell you the story, it’s kind of important to point out something. I had no-nonsense parents. In fact, I would never have even considered talking back to either of my parents. I valued life too much.  And that’s really not much of an exaggeration, okay?

So picture it. Noel, Missour. 1984. It was the house on Lorene across from the bait shop and just down from the river. Mom sat in her chair knitting. I lounged on the couch, reading a book. Mom said, “You need to put the dishes away.”

As I rose and set my book down (note that I was already in obedience mode; this is important), I quipped in a sassy falsetto, “You need to put the dishes away.”

We laughed.  Looking back, I can’t recall what made us think it was fun or funny.  But we did. I almost wonder if I wasn’t imitating something from a movie.  Anyway, it became a thing with us.  I’d ask what was for dinner, and she’d mimic me.  She’d tell me to put my clothes away, and I’d snap back with the same silliness.

Conversation hearts

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

Oh, Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say.

For weeks this went on, just us being goofy. No disrespect or ugliness intended by either of us. You know what’s coming. You have to.

At that time, Mrs. Strickland used to pick me up every Sunday and Wednesday night on her way to church. It was literally a hundred yards out of the way. Well, one Sunday, she picked me up, then picked up Grandma Mary (right? You know where it’s going…). We parked and I got out. Mrs. Strickland said, “Can you help Grandma Mary out of the car?”

I’d mimicked her so fast it wasn’t even funny. The horror in my heart must have shown on my face, because the shock on hers turned to concern.  Fortunately (God is so good), Grandma Mary didn’t hear me. After dropping her off that afternoon, I explained and apologised. Returned home nearly in tears (that’s the Chautona equivalent of sobbing my heart out) and insistent that the game had to end.

Mom agreed.  She’s wise that way.

But it was a really good lesson for me–a lesson in how even something that is meant to be innocent and fun can hurt. It was the first time I really understood why the “Well, I didn’t mean for you to take it that way” apology just… isn’t.

So why am I telling you this embarrassing story?  Well, because Marguerite made me do it.

No really, she did!  You see…

Conversation heartsConversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray released on Tuesday!

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

All the Suamalie authors are mortifying themselves, so don’t miss out! hee hee

Marguerite Martin Gray: July 30

Chautona Havig: July 31

Rachel Skatvold: August 1

Susan K. Beatty: August 2

Melissa Wardwell: August 4

And get your entries in!!!

Share113
Pin
Post
Email
113Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
113Shares

Filed Under: New Release

Previous Post: « Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)
Next Post: So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew… »

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. Marguerite Gray says

    August 1, 2024 at 6:29 pm

    Thank you so much! I love your stories!!! Happy reading!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d'Entremont
byChautona Havig

When Lara d’Entremont began describing her YA portal fantasy, The Painted Fairytale, I knew this would be right up my alley. Listen in and see how art becomes the portal to other worlds!

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

Portal fantasy is my favorite, so I was crazy excited to learn about this one–especially the art tie-in. I can’t wait to dive in myself.

We chatted about her characters, the world, and the faith that connects them.

The Painted Fairytale by Lara d’Entremont

Seventeen-year-old Wren Devine refuses to share her art with anyone-other than her parents and her sister (who died three years prior). But when her mother submits her artwork to a mentorship program, and she gets accepted, Wren is forced to display her artwork for the eccentric Professor Hayes. Despite her fears, Wren hopes this mentorship will finally make her as worthy as her sister.

But this mentorship is about more than painting.

Wren soon learns that she has a magical ability to turn her paintings into portals to travel not only to other places but also to another world entirely. An eerie children’s book in the professor’s classroom reveals a wicked pirate with a vengeance who has her eye on Stefan Branson, a former student of Professor Hayes.

As all four of these lives intersect, it becomes apparent that everyone has a secret–some more deadly than others. The longer these secrets brew, the more deadly and heavy they become, and possibly lead to never seeing her former, earthly realm again. Wren must not only learn to release the shadow of her beloved sister but step boldly into her own world.

Learn more about Lara on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads.or on Subtack.

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

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d'Entremont
Episode 482: A Chat with Lara d'Entremont
October 27, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 481: A Chat with Patricia Bradley
October 25, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
October 20, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 479: A Chat with Connilyn Cossette
October 18, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 478: A Chat with Julie Klassen
October 17, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 477: A Chat with Kate Angelo
October 13, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 476: A Chat with Katie M. Reid
October 11, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 475: A Chat with D. T. Powell
October 6, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 474: A Chat with Ann Swindell
October 4, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 473: A Chat with Jennifer Willcock
October 3, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion
Buy This Book Online
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Pointed Suspicion
Buy now!

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

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
Guys, the things I find in my dictation... It's sc Guys, the things I find in my dictation... It's scary. 
#AuthorLife
#Dictatuon
#TheAgencyFiles 
#TakeCover
Audiobooks FREE? Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Na Audiobooks FREE?  Yep! 100% free on YouTube and Narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo.
Get a new chapter every day until it's all uploaded OR listen to the FULL audiobook in one video once all chapters have been released!
Scott Keil's mission work tends to overtake both his and his daughter's life.  So when his daughter ropes Natalie Dersham to help out, he's thrilled.  When she starts playing matchmaker... well... okay, he's kind of thrilled about that, too.  The age gap?  Probably prohibitive but if it wasn't...
Available in print, on Kindle, in Kindle Unlimited, and now coming to all major audiobook platforms (and free on YouTube right now!)
#UnderTheHibiscus
#FreeAudiobook
#ChristFic
#KindleUnlimited
https://youtu.be/rzD7cULBeV8
Eeep!!! Love chatting with Becca. Can't wait to he Eeep!!! Love chatting with Becca. Can't wait to hear about her new series!!!
#Kickstarter 
#ChristianYouthFiction
#ChapterBooks
@beccawierwille
Pointed Suspicion released on September 1, 2025 AN Pointed Suspicion released on September 1, 2025 AND... one chapter is being released each weekday until it's all up! Find them at https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos . One chapter a day on weekdays.  When all chapters are up, @ChristaDelSorbo will put up the complete audiobook there as well. Don't miss the prequel through the series adjacent Christmas novel available in individual chapters OR as complete audiobooks.

What's it about?
When protectors become targets, no one is safe.
Mark created The Agency to shield the innocent—but now an unknown foe fights to assume command. As shadowy threats tighten around Mark and his team, danger erupts on every front: terrorists at sea, betrayal within their ranks, and an enemy who always seems one step ahead.
While a Caribbean cruise turns deadly and secrets unravel in the agency’s halls, one shocking betrayal proves the enemy is closer than anyone imagined. Mark faces the fight of his life—not just for the future of his organization, but for the people he loves most. As faith and romance grow amid the fallout of shattered dreams, the stakes rise higher than ever.
The countdown to the series finale has begun… and survival is anything but guaranteed.

#TheAgencyFiles
#Christfic
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
#KindleUnlimited
#Audiobooks
It feels so good to get back ti reading again!!! D It feels so good to get back ti reading again!!!
Diving into these two tonight. Also listening to The Harvest Festival Murders.  So good so far. @alliemillington
@susie_finkbeiner
#AmReading
Some might call them street tacos from @juniorstac Some might call them street tacos from @juniorstacoshop .
I call them writing inspiration. Time to blow up a bad guy's house... or part of it.
#AmWriting
#TakeCover
#TheAgencyFiles
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including The Last Gasp--a mystery set in 1920s Hollywood and with a Cinderella twist.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free! https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
OR
You can also get The Last Gasp and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

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